C7 Stingray vs E92 M3 vs C63 coupe

gthal · 02-23-2014, 06:16 AM

I thought I would post a short review comparing these 3 cars for those interested. It is a bit of a difficult comparison as they are somewhat different cars... the C7 being by far the most purpose built sports car of the three with the other two being the more practical cars.

Also, I haven't had the C7 at the track yet for a comparison there but I had the chance to put 100 miles on it yesterday and was able to push it pretty hard so I think I have a very good feel for it. Both my E92 M3 and C63 saw lots of track time so I think I know those cars well.

Exterior Design:

Subjective for sure. To me, the C7 in person is stunningly beautiful and exotic looking. It cannot be captured well in pictures and none I have seen (including those below) do it justice. It is aggressive looking, low, wide and draws a ton (too much really) attention. For a pure sports car look it is ahead of the other two IMO. The E92 M3 would be close in looks IMO but is more tame and stands out a bit less. More of a sleeper but very beautiful in its own right. For me, the C63 is third. This, however, he personal and subjective.

Interior Design and tech:

The C7 has come a LONG way. IMO, it is now on par with the interior quality of either the M3 or C63. The seats are fantastic, beautifully and designed. They are the most supportive of the 3 (and they are the standard seats, the competition seats would be moreso). High quality feel everywhere. Fit and finish is high. The technology is also amazing with a HUGE amount of customization in the gauges, settings, etc. The touch screen works well and is crisp. The HUD is something I have grown to love and think every sports car should have one... being able to see RPM, speed and G force without looking down is awesome.

Interior design is subjective and I think all three are similar in design, quality and fit/finish. Which one you personally like better is subjective. This is where the C7 has made, IMO, one of its most significant strides.

Engine/exhaust:

From a "feel" and sound perspective, the M3 is stlll the best IMO. The sound and smoothness of a red line pull is unmatched IMO. I think this is something the M4 will not be able to match and that is unfortunate.

The C7 engine feels great and sounds great too. It is very similar in sound and feel to the C63. They both are very responsive and provide HUGE torque. They also sound incredibly mean and purposeful. The one area they are better than the E92 M3 is in torque... they are brutal. The C7 even moreso than the C63... more torque and less weight so that doesn't surprise me. At 55 mph on the highway, the C7 will throw you back in your seat when you drop the pedal. The acceleration is fast and brutal. Subjectively (and I suppose as has been tested) it is notably the fastest of the three and it feels it. It is almost scary fast to me as it sneaks up on you.

The C7 and C63 sound the best from an exhaust perspective IMO. The C63 sounds the deepest and most muscle car like. The C7 is similar but with a bit more of a "European" sound than the C63. The M3 is the most subdued. The nice thing about the C7 is you can put it in "quiet" mode and it s similar to the M3 or in "loud" mode and it is similar (maybe louder) than the C63.

Handling:

I would rate these as C7 #1, M3 #2 and C63 #3.

The C7 feels subjectively much lighter and more nimble than either the M3 or the C63. It also has better grip with the Z51 specific tread compound in the PSS tires. The car corners flatter than the other two, has far less understeer and the steering is the most direct and responsive. The M3 would be next and the C63 last IMO. This is as you would expect IMO. The C7 is a purpose built sports car, lighter and more track focused. The M3, however, compares very favourably which speaks volumes about it.

Other:

To this day, I miss my E92 M3. I loved that car. The C7 will fill the void in my soul better than the C63 did. The C7 is far more visceral, more "exciting" and more like a race car. It is also less practical (although still not bad).

The C7 MT is very good... similar to the MT in my first M3 but with shorter throws. Very easy to use. The C7's rev matching in the MT is outstanding. I am very proficient at heel/toe work but the C7 is as good or better than I am. I'm not sure if I will use it at the track or not but it works exceptionally well (surprisingly well) and is a ton of fun.

The seating position is VERY low in the C7 and the cockpit feels like a real cockpit. It will be a good DD but not as good as either the M3 or C63.

I have been fortunate to have owned all three and all three are amazing cars. The C7 is the most purpose built, most visceral, most "fun" and highest performing of the 3 but that is expected. The M3 is the best track/DD blend and is a car I still lust after even today. It is stellar. The C63 is a bit like the C7 (engine, sound, power) and a bit like the M3 (DD ability and comfort) but not quite as good as either overall IMO. Still a stellar car.

Here's where the other two can't compete... the C7 was $70,000CDN, the C63 was $82,000CDN and the M3 was $91,000CDN. I know the US pricing gap may not as dramatic. The C7, IMO, wins regardless but when you include price it is no longer even a fair fight unless you need 4 seats.

My C7...

My M3...

My C63...

///M Power-Belgium · 02-23-2014, 07:32 AM

Perfect review and writeup !

Like expected it's the C7, and i know already that 99% of the sport cars will stay in the dust along the Z06

THX for sharing

LarThaL · 02-23-2014, 07:53 AM

Congratulations. Love the C7!!! HIGH on my list for the next car also. The got every aspect of this car just right.

GreeKon · 02-23-2014, 07:53 AM

Wow.....that C7 looks AMAZINGGGGG.

Thanks for your input! Enjoy it in good health

FormulaMMM · 02-23-2014, 09:20 AM

Nice writeup. Totally agree with the pics not doing the C7 justice. It's amazing looking on the move in particular. Passed a white one then he followed me for a bit the other day. Serious road presence, low, wide, purposeful. From the front looks like a blend of Lotus and Ferrari.

Interested in your track impressions when you get out there.

Ezio · 02-23-2014, 09:21 AM

i really love the C7. i think its a hit.

after owning a M3, i am less appealed to corvettes. i am looking to switch to the next gen CTS-V and hoping it comes with a S/C V8 not turbo V8. i like the classy and luxury side to a car. while at the same time it having a powerful and loud V8.

have fun with your corvette. red on black thats HOT, i would know.

Alpha///M · 02-23-2014, 09:34 AM

Wow. The vette looks ballistic in the first pic! The others look "dated" at best. Even the new C63 and M4's appearance are/is behind on style points (kudos to American muscle). But like you mentioned from the start, these are three different cars. I'll add "obviously built for three different markets". I'll refrain from from classifying anybody, but for the purpose of someone driving a specific type of car relating to this post, I absolutely see 3 vastly different people, looking for different experiences driving the above cars. So my point is, why compare? You can't, and you shouldn't, lol.

None the less, good luck with your new car. She's certainly a looker!

BenchRacerYo · 02-23-2014, 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ezio

i really love the C7. i think its a hit.

after owning a M3, i am less appealed to corvettes. i am looking to switch to the next gen CTS-V and hoping it comes with a S/C V8 not turbo V8. i like the classy and luxury side to a car. while at the same time it having a powerful and loud V8.

have fun with your corvette. red on black thats HOT, i would know.

I believe it is going to be a twin turbo V8 ):

gthal · 02-23-2014, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alpha///M

Wow. The vette looks ballistic in the first pic! The others look "dated" at best. Even the new C63 and M4's appearance are/is behind on style points (kudos to American muscle). But like you mentioned from the start, these are three different cars. I'll add "obviously built for three different markets". I'll refrain from from classifying anybody, but for the purpose of someone driving a specific type of car relating to this post, I absolutely see 3 vastly different people, looking for different experiences driving the above cars. So my point is, why compare? You can't, and you shouldn't, lol.

None the less, good luck with your new car. She's certainly a looker!

I generally agree with you but I do think there are lots of M owners thinking about a C7 if they don't need the back seat.

Personally, I'm a car person who likes to try and experiment with a wide range of cars. I very much enjoy all of them. Badge doesn't mean a heck of a lot to me

swanson · 02-23-2014, 01:59 PM

Finally! Congrats

///M3Owner · 02-23-2014, 02:10 PM

very beautiful! I've been thinking about getting a c7 for my next car as well, either torch red with a black interior or black it out with the red and black interior. either way its a gorgeous car

Ezio · 02-23-2014, 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BenchRacerYo

I believe it is going to be a twin turbo V8 ):

swanson · 02-23-2014, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ezio

I heard supercharged V8. Over 600hp

Ezio · 02-23-2014, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swanson

I heard supercharged V8. Over 600hp

ridin135 · 02-23-2014, 05:12 PM

C7 I am pretty sure is going to be my next car the value just can't be beat right now.

TrevorM3 · 02-23-2014, 07:30 PM

c63 coupe is terrible. unless it's the BS.

gthal · 02-23-2014, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TrevorM3

c63 coupe is terrible. unless it's the BS.

I don't know that I agree.

Brosef · 02-23-2014, 09:19 PM

awesome review. I haven't gotten behind of the wheel of the C7 yet, but I imagine it will be just like you described from what I've read about it. congrats. be safe out there.

Alpha///M · 02-23-2014, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gthal

I generally agree with you but I do think there are lots of M owners thinking about a C7 if they don't need the back seat.

Personally, I'm a car person who likes to try and experiment with a wide range of cars. I very much enjoy all of them. Badge doesn't mean a heck of a lot to me

Your right about a lot of M owners, and you've got good taste in vehicles!

Sebringjetta · 02-23-2014, 09:24 PM

im in the wrong line of work

fusionchicken · 02-27-2014, 04:13 PM

The Stingray arrives at last. Congrats on the Stingray and thanks for the great review.

Ashley Schaeffer BMW · 02-27-2014, 05:07 PM

Wow, I love my E92 more than anything and think it looks better than the M4. But that C7 just makes it look boring.

02-23-2014, 06:16 AM	#1
gthal Major General 1904 Rep 5,678 Posts Drives: 2018 340i xDrive Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Canada iTrader: (2)	C7 Stingray vs E92 M3 vs C63 coupe I thought I would post a short review comparing these 3 cars for those interested. It is a bit of a difficult comparison as they are somewhat different cars... the C7 being by far the most purpose built sports car of the three with the other two being the more practical cars. Also, I haven't had the C7 at the track yet for a comparison there but I had the chance to put 100 miles on it yesterday and was able to push it pretty hard so I think I have a very good feel for it. Both my E92 M3 and C63 saw lots of track time so I think I know those cars well. Exterior Design: Subjective for sure. To me, the C7 in person is stunningly beautiful and exotic looking. It cannot be captured well in pictures and none I have seen (including those below) do it justice. It is aggressive looking, low, wide and draws a ton (too much really) attention. For a pure sports car look it is ahead of the other two IMO. The E92 M3 would be close in looks IMO but is more tame and stands out a bit less. More of a sleeper but very beautiful in its own right. For me, the C63 is third. This, however, he personal and subjective. Interior Design and tech: The C7 has come a LONG way. IMO, it is now on par with the interior quality of either the M3 or C63. The seats are fantastic, beautifully and designed. They are the most supportive of the 3 (and they are the standard seats, the competition seats would be moreso). High quality feel everywhere. Fit and finish is high. The technology is also amazing with a HUGE amount of customization in the gauges, settings, etc. The touch screen works well and is crisp. The HUD is something I have grown to love and think every sports car should have one... being able to see RPM, speed and G force without looking down is awesome. Interior design is subjective and I think all three are similar in design, quality and fit/finish. Which one you personally like better is subjective. This is where the C7 has made, IMO, one of its most significant strides. Engine/exhaust: From a "feel" and sound perspective, the M3 is stlll the best IMO. The sound and smoothness of a red line pull is unmatched IMO. I think this is something the M4 will not be able to match and that is unfortunate. The C7 engine feels great and sounds great too. It is very similar in sound and feel to the C63. They both are very responsive and provide HUGE torque. They also sound incredibly mean and purposeful. The one area they are better than the E92 M3 is in torque... they are brutal. The C7 even moreso than the C63... more torque and less weight so that doesn't surprise me. At 55 mph on the highway, the C7 will throw you back in your seat when you drop the pedal. The acceleration is fast and brutal. Subjectively (and I suppose as has been tested) it is notably the fastest of the three and it feels it. It is almost scary fast to me as it sneaks up on you. The C7 and C63 sound the best from an exhaust perspective IMO. The C63 sounds the deepest and most muscle car like. The C7 is similar but with a bit more of a "European" sound than the C63. The M3 is the most subdued. The nice thing about the C7 is you can put it in "quiet" mode and it s similar to the M3 or in "loud" mode and it is similar (maybe louder) than the C63. Handling: I would rate these as C7 #1, M3 #2 and C63 #3. The C7 feels subjectively much lighter and more nimble than either the M3 or the C63. It also has better grip with the Z51 specific tread compound in the PSS tires. The car corners flatter than the other two, has far less understeer and the steering is the most direct and responsive. The M3 would be next and the C63 last IMO. This is as you would expect IMO. The C7 is a purpose built sports car, lighter and more track focused. The M3, however, compares very favourably which speaks volumes about it. Other: To this day, I miss my E92 M3. I loved that car. The C7 will fill the void in my soul better than the C63 did. The C7 is far more visceral, more "exciting" and more like a race car. It is also less practical (although still not bad). The C7 MT is very good... similar to the MT in my first M3 but with shorter throws. Very easy to use. The C7's rev matching in the MT is outstanding. I am very proficient at heel/toe work but the C7 is as good or better than I am. I'm not sure if I will use it at the track or not but it works exceptionally well (surprisingly well) and is a ton of fun. The seating position is VERY low in the C7 and the cockpit feels like a real cockpit. It will be a good DD but not as good as either the M3 or C63. I have been fortunate to have owned all three and all three are amazing cars. The C7 is the most purpose built, most visceral, most "fun" and highest performing of the 3 but that is expected. The M3 is the best track/DD blend and is a car I still lust after even today. It is stellar. The C63 is a bit like the C7 (engine, sound, power) and a bit like the M3 (DD ability and comfort) but not quite as good as either overall IMO. Still a stellar car. Here's where the other two can't compete... the C7 was $70,000CDN, the C63 was $82,000CDN and the M3 was $91,000CDN. I know the US pricing gap may not as dramatic. The C7, IMO, wins regardless but when you include price it is no longer even a fair fight unless you need 4 seats. My C7... My M3... My C63...
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

02-23-2014, 07:32 AM	#2
///M Power-Belgium General 63595 Rep 24,723 Posts Drives: ///M3-E92-DCT Silverstone II Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Belgium iTrader: (0)	Perfect review and writeup ! Like expected it's the C7, and i know already that 99% of the sport cars will stay in the dust along the Z06 THX for sharing __________________ "MAX VERSTAPPEN" IS THE 2021+2022+2023 F1 WORLD CHAMPION - #UnLeashTheLion BPM DEV-Tune & DCT Software-Tune & Servotronic & coding ///Alpine HID Angeleyes ///Oem.exhaust mod. Last edited by ///M Power-Belgium; 02-23-2014 at 10:31 AM..
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-23-2014, 07:53 AM	#3
LarThaL Colonel 336 Rep 2,940 Posts Drives: 2011 M3 Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: West Springfield, MA iTrader: (0)	Congratulations. Love the C7!!! HIGH on my list for the next car also. The got every aspect of this car just right. __________________ **Audi S6 Audi S3 * Porsche Cayman GTS* --Former BMW M3 owner**
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-23-2014, 07:53 AM	#4
GreeKon It ain't gonna suck itself 50 Rep 817 Posts Drives: 2010 M3 Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Philadelphia, PA iTrader: (1)	Wow.....that C7 looks AMAZINGGGGG. Thanks for your input! Enjoy it in good health
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-23-2014, 09:20 AM	#5
FormulaMMM Brigadier General 3663 Rep 3,422 Posts Drives: E90 M3 Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Midwest iTrader: (2)	Nice writeup. Totally agree with the pics not doing the C7 justice. It's amazing looking on the move in particular. Passed a white one then he followed me for a bit the other day. Serious road presence, low, wide, purposeful. From the front looks like a blend of Lotus and Ferrari. Interested in your track impressions when you get out there.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-23-2014, 09:21 AM	#6
Ezio Brigadier General 380 Rep 3,934 Posts Drives: 2023 Alfa Romeo, 2023 m240i Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: MI iTrader: (0)	i really love the C7. i think its a hit. after owning a M3, i am less appealed to corvettes. i am looking to switch to the next gen CTS-V and hoping it comes with a S/C V8 not turbo V8. i like the classy and luxury side to a car. while at the same time it having a powerful and loud V8. have fun with your corvette. red on black thats HOT, i would know.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-23-2014, 09:34 AM	#7
Alpha///M Scrappy Coco 62 Rep 447 Posts Drives: 2012 M3 AW DCT ZCP ESS 625 Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Long Island NY iTrader: (0) Garage List 2012 BMW M3 [0.00]	Wow. The vette looks ballistic in the first pic! The others look "dated" at best. Even the new C63 and M4's appearance are/is behind on style points (kudos to American muscle). But like you mentioned from the start, these are three different cars. I'll add "obviously built for three different markets". I'll refrain from from classifying anybody, but for the purpose of someone driving a specific type of car relating to this post, I absolutely see 3 vastly different people, looking for different experiences driving the above cars. So my point is, why compare? You can't, and you shouldn't, lol. None the less, good luck with your new car. She's certainly a looker! __________________ Alpha///M ESS VT2 625- GTS DCT Tune- Full Challenge Exhaust- Mode Carbon- Other Stuff Last edited by Alpha///M; 02-23-2014 at 09:40 AM..
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-23-2014, 01:59 PM	#10
swanson Convicted Felon 733 Rep 2,180 Posts Drives: chariot Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: NY iTrader: (0)	Finally! Congrats
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-23-2014, 02:10 PM	#11
///M3Owner Lieutenant 99 Rep 545 Posts Drives: 2011 E92 M3 Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: MA iTrader: (0)	very beautiful! I've been thinking about getting a c7 for my next car as well, either torch red with a black interior or black it out with the red and black interior. either way its a gorgeous car __________________ 2011 E92 M3 Metallic White Competition Package
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-23-2014, 05:12 PM	#15
ridin135 Colonel 131 Rep 2,408 Posts Drives: Depends on the day Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Greenville iTrader: (7)	C7 I am pretty sure is going to be my next car the value just can't be beat right now.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-23-2014, 07:30 PM	#16
TrevorM3 Banned 3323 Rep 8,083 Posts Drives: 6.3 AMG Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Florida iTrader: (0)	c63 coupe is terrible. unless it's the BS.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-23-2014, 09:19 PM	#18
Brosef Brigadier General 878 Rep 3,452 Posts Drives: F90 M5 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Chicago iTrader: (4)	awesome review. I haven't gotten behind of the wheel of the C7 yet, but I imagine it will be just like you described from what I've read about it. congrats. be safe out there.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-23-2014, 09:24 PM	#20
Sebringjetta Brigadier General 313 Rep 3,675 Posts Drives: E46m3 Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Sacramento iTrader: (39)	im in the wrong line of work __________________
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-27-2014, 04:13 PM	#21
fusionchicken Captain 161 Rep 763 Posts Drives: C6 Z06, Z4M Roadster Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: socal iTrader: (0)	The Stingray arrives at last. Congrats on the Stingray and thanks for the great review.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-27-2014, 05:07 PM	#22
Ashley Schaeffer BMW Banned 91 Rep 833 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Charlotte iTrader: (1)	Wow, I love my E92 more than anything and think it looks better than the M4. But that C7 just makes it look boring.
	Appreciate 0 Quote