RE: Chris Harris video: RS 4.0 vs C63 Black vs M3 GTS
Discussion
BallerM3 said:
I'd be interested to know - given the Merc is the only one of the three without "scafolding" where the rear seats were, does the chassis feel any any less stiff as a result?
They're simply bolt in cages rather than Motorsport spec welded in cages so any strength/stiffening is negligible. Most drivers feel better on track with 6 point harnesses, so as well as giving somewhere optimum to mount them the cage does give some extra protection in the event of a car rolling over, as the last thing you want is the roof collapsing by a few inches with you locked in tight to the seat.
cragswinter said:
They're simply bolt in cages rather than Motorsport spec welded in cages so any strength/stiffening is negligible.
Most drivers feel better on track with 6 point harnesses, so as well as giving somewhere optimum to mount them the cage does give some extra protection in the event of a car rolling over, as the last thing you want is the roof collapsing by a few inches with you locked in tight to the seat.
Unless I've misunderstood you, I think you're contradicting yourself.Most drivers feel better on track with 6 point harnesses, so as well as giving somewhere optimum to mount them the cage does give some extra protection in the event of a car rolling over, as the last thing you want is the roof collapsing by a few inches with you locked in tight to the seat.
A bolt on roll cage will increase the torsional stiffness of the car and offer an increased level of safety due to its strength - though admittedly not as much as a welded cage.
Very enjoyable video - if you enjoyed filming and driving those machines anywhere near as much as I enjoyed watching it, you're an extremely lucky chap.
It's SO nice to have a vastly more realistic and balanced perspective - TG is awful in that manner.
I was more an M3 kind of chap, knowing that their handling is exceptional. The 911 has always seemed the underdog for me. But finally, we have a 911 with the right level of power, cage, harnesses, decent looking spoiler (rather than the usual dull blue wedge-arse).
Really wouldn't mind adding the RS 4.0 to my collection after that. The Merc does look like a car you could drive daily though.
Thanks for sharing your experience with us.
It's SO nice to have a vastly more realistic and balanced perspective - TG is awful in that manner.
I was more an M3 kind of chap, knowing that their handling is exceptional. The 911 has always seemed the underdog for me. But finally, we have a 911 with the right level of power, cage, harnesses, decent looking spoiler (rather than the usual dull blue wedge-arse).
Really wouldn't mind adding the RS 4.0 to my collection after that. The Merc does look like a car you could drive daily though.
Thanks for sharing your experience with us.
I am totally smitten with all three of these machines they are automotive wonder-pieces. The GT3 makes the most wonderful high pitched noise which is very similar to the Cup car it is loosely based on, it seems in its natural habitat on the track at Anglesey and that's confirmed when posting a lap time.
In my opinion the M3 has has to impress more that it did in this test to justify the staggering asking price, if this car had been a CSL evolution and cost a more realistic amount of money (sub £80,000) then maybe it could have gone on to do more wonderful things. I would love to know just how much slower a M3 with the optional Competition Pack would have lapped Anglesey, it might have me eating my words.
Finally the Mercedes-Benz, this car has the most "WANT FACTOR" in my personal opinion because it is the slowest (marginally)of the three is totally irrelevant. I am currently taking a sabbatical from the fast car scene but when you are privileged enough to have something Supercar-ish on your driveway your opportunities to go for a blast are always limited. This train of though makes me weigh up all three cars, the pros and the cons. There is no doubt in my mind that driving those Welsh roads for a period of time in anything but the Mercedes would leave me feeling frustrated. Then if you take the C63's track ability into consideration when the opportunity does eventually present itself there is only ever winner in my opinion.
Wonderful review Chris.......thank you.
Nick
In my opinion the M3 has has to impress more that it did in this test to justify the staggering asking price, if this car had been a CSL evolution and cost a more realistic amount of money (sub £80,000) then maybe it could have gone on to do more wonderful things. I would love to know just how much slower a M3 with the optional Competition Pack would have lapped Anglesey, it might have me eating my words.
Finally the Mercedes-Benz, this car has the most "WANT FACTOR" in my personal opinion because it is the slowest (marginally)of the three is totally irrelevant. I am currently taking a sabbatical from the fast car scene but when you are privileged enough to have something Supercar-ish on your driveway your opportunities to go for a blast are always limited. This train of though makes me weigh up all three cars, the pros and the cons. There is no doubt in my mind that driving those Welsh roads for a period of time in anything but the Mercedes would leave me feeling frustrated. Then if you take the C63's track ability into consideration when the opportunity does eventually present itself there is only ever winner in my opinion.
Wonderful review Chris.......thank you.
Nick
jbi said:
All German...
could we have a little variety here please?
Can you name another car that's in the same vein as these that isn't German then? The only cars I can think of that are of a similar style are the Audi R8 GT (again German), the Nissan GT-R Track Pack (not available yet) and maybe he Jag XKR-S, but that really isn't hardcore enough, though maybe it is similar in approach to the Merc.could we have a little variety here please?
Another cracker from Monkey, love the way these videos are getting longer too. I think you could stick a few of them together and make a very watchable half hour program every week. Stick it on BBC3 or Dave and its winner city.
Edited by Beefmeister on Thursday 3rd May 11:26
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