Mercedes-AMG G 63 vs. Tuned BMW M3: Which Beast Prevails in This Nail-Biting Drag Race
When it comes to drag racing, the battle isn't always between sleek, lightning-quick sports cars. Sometimes, the most unexpected matchups make for the most riveting duels. Case in point: the recent face-off between the Mercedes-AMG G 63 and a modified F80-generation BMW M3. Hosted by Tang and the CSL AutoTime crew, this quarter-mile showdown proved that sheer power and performance can come from both ends of the automotive spectrum.
The Contenders
The F80 BMW M3 entered the arena with some serious upgrades. Tires replaced with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S, aftermarket charge pipes, a new intercooler, an Eventuri carbon-fiber intake kit, and an X-pipe all contributed to its enhanced performance. These mods pushed its output to 440 ps and 580 Nm (434 hp and 428 lb-ft), slightly nudging ahead of its stock specs and flirting with the numbers BMW touts for the newer G80-series M3—480 ps and 550 Nm of torque.
On the flip side, the formidable Mercedes-AMG G 63 showed up as a heavyweight contender. This body-on-frame behemoth, weighing in at a staggering 2,560 kg (5,644 pounds), is powered by a 4.0-liter V8 engine. It roars with 585 ps and 850 Nm (577 hp and 627 lb-ft), making it an unlikely but formidable competitor in a drag race.
The Battle
The sheer weight differences between the two vehicles promise a David vs. Goliath narrative. The F80 BMW M3, tipping the scales at 1,560 kg, has agility on its side. However, the G 63 counters with its four-wheel drive, low-range gearing, and three locking differentials. Four-wheel drive might seem like an uncontested advantage, but the torque-converter AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G transmission has its own quirks compared to BMW's dual-clutch system.
From a standing start, the G 63’s four-wheel-drive system provided the grip necessary to compensate for its weight, posting a best quarter-mile time of 13.08 seconds at 103 mph (165 km/h). However, the M3 wasn’t far behind, clocking in at 13.13 seconds at a higher exit speed of 117 mph (189 km/h). Given the chance on a longer strip of tarmac, the M3 could push beyond its electronically limited top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h) to a thrilling 174 mph (280 km/h) with the optional driver’s package.
The Verdict
As the dust settled, each vehicle had proven its mettle. The Mercedes-AMG G 63's brute force and commanding start made it a formidable opponent in lower-speed runs, while the lighter, more agile M3 excelled as speeds picked up. This rib-rattling drag race served as a testament to how performance enhancements and meticulous engineering can breathe new life into older models, keeping them competitive even against more modern, robust machines.
This riveting drag race underscores that performance isn't solely about raw power; it's about how that power is harnessed and executed. Whether you favor the commanding presence and all-around might of the Mercedes-AMG G 63, or the nimble, finely-tuned precision of the F80 BMW M3, the competition was as close as it gets—offering something to thrill every type of automotive enthusiast.
