C63 owner about to convert
#91
Driver School Candidate
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: CA
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I went to test drive the C63, then the ISF, almost back to back. The first feeling you get is "C63!" It's because of the raw acceleration and the exhaust note.
But if you have time to mull it over, the other factors like reliability, gas mileage, cost of ownership, chassis balance (yes, I actually feel that the 2012 ISF and up have better chassis balance than the C63), the ISF quickly becomes the forerunner. Furthermore, the ISF is a lot more rare, seeing a C63 nowadays is like seeing any other Merc. Whereas with the ISF you tend to get a lot of stares. And the exhaust note? Nothing that the aftermarket can't fix.
Having said that, if you want to modability, the C63 is the better choice. But then you throw reliability out of the window. And then you're better off buying an Evo and modding it to be an absolute weapon.
But if you have time to mull it over, the other factors like reliability, gas mileage, cost of ownership, chassis balance (yes, I actually feel that the 2012 ISF and up have better chassis balance than the C63), the ISF quickly becomes the forerunner. Furthermore, the ISF is a lot more rare, seeing a C63 nowadays is like seeing any other Merc. Whereas with the ISF you tend to get a lot of stares. And the exhaust note? Nothing that the aftermarket can't fix.
Having said that, if you want to modability, the C63 is the better choice. But then you throw reliability out of the window. And then you're better off buying an Evo and modding it to be an absolute weapon.
My 2008 ISF feels better and handles better than the C63 and both of them have no handling upgrades. I have never driven the 2011+ ISF and I would really want to see the performance gain from just a few tweaks. Also, you are correct with the fact that ISF's are rare. Let's say there are 10 cars consisting of ISF, C63, & M3. I would say 6 of them are M3's, 3 C63 AMG and only 1 of them being an ISF. Furthermore, I have the Matador Mica Red, and I've only seen three of these since ISF first came out in 2008 which makes it more rare. I get a lot more stares and compliments with the ISF than the C63. I would say... For every 1 compliment for the C63, I get like 10 for the ISF. The ISF has nothing but straight pipes with vibrant resonators and the C63 has Eisenmanns along with a CF front lip and CF diffuser for aesthetics.
Last edited by sjpbug; 04-17-14 at 10:36 PM.
#92
I can see why JORDANAF would buy another C63, especially if it is a '12 and up. I just recently traded in my '12 SPW IS F for a '13 C63 sedan based on extensive research and a very long test drive. sjpbug, the '11 and up IS F handles way better and in the 2011 VIR Lightning Lap it actually matched the M3 coupe with an upgraded suspension option to the tenth of a second. They both beat the '11 C63 time wise. Now in '12 the suspension was revised in the C63 and the transmission (multi-wet clutch) is also redone to enhance shift times. The C63 shifts every bit as fast as my '12 IS F in my opinion. The interior is also really nice and matches the IS F but with a bit more attention to detail. The gauges are more old school looking but I personally like that. I only have 293 miles on the C63 but I can say that whereas I had multiple cars and even trucks wanting to race the IS F, no one to date has messed with the C63. Curiously, I only had a few questions as to what the IS F is and never any thumbs up or such but I have noticed more that a few stares at the C63 (with the P31 package) probably due to the exhaust note. Anyway, both great cars but I do like the torque in the C63. Reliability wise, well that remains to be seen but I took out and extended warranty on the ISF and now on the C63 just in case.
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