Mercedes Benz AMG Vs BMW M Which Is Best

Few car discussions are as passionate as the Mercedes-Benz AMG vs. BMW M debate. We are here to help you sort through the noise and determine which performance division is best for you.

This comparison will provide a detailed look at M: and AMG.

• Timeline of history
• Performance
• Innovation
• Driving feeling
• Engine sounds
• Comparisons of popular vehicles

--and many other things.

Let's briefly look at Mercedes-Benz AMG history and BMW M history, to get a better understanding of these highly respected performance divisions.

What is the Story of Mercedes-Benz AMG's Evolution?

Hans Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Malcher combined their Engineering and Motorsport passions to create AMG. What is the meaning of AMG? AMG stands for "Aufrecht", the M for Melcher and the G for GroBaspach, which means "birthplace." AMG's driving spirit is higher performance and greater power.

From the beginning of their efforts, Melcher and Aufrecht were on the road. They began work on the 300 SE's race engine, but Daimler-Benz stopped all motorsport development projects. However, this halt inactivity did not stop Melcher and Aufrecht from continuing to pursue their goals. Aufrecht's home served as headquarters for Melcher and Aufrecht, who continued to work on the 300 SE's racing engine.

These extracurricular efforts paid off when one of their colleagues drove the 300 SE's engine to Germany in 1965, where it won ten times. Melcher and Aufrecht quickly established their reputations as specialists in optimizing and maintaining Mercedes-Benz vehicle performance.

How did the AMG name begin to gain worldwide recognition?

His dissatisfaction with his reputation drove him to make his first race car road-ready. 1966 saw Aufrecht leave Mercedes-Benz and Melcher agree to go along. In 1967, the two German engineers started their own company which allowed them to test and develop racing engines on their own. Aufrecht and Melcher quickly became loyal customers of private racing teams. The Mercedes-Benz AMG 300 SEL 6.8 was second at the 24 Hours of Spa event.

AMG 300 SEL 6.8's racing results surprised many, given how heavy it was compared with its competitors. The AMG name spread like wildfire around the globe thanks to this innovation.

What did AMG do to break traditional automotive boundaries?

AMG's attitude of challenging the impossible has seen it grow steadily since the 1970s. AMG attracted more foreign clients to its higher levels of performance customization, which resulted in AMG receiving a purpose-built office and workshop in 1976.

1984 was a significant year for AMG, as the medium-sized firm entered engine manufacturing. Melcher was able to develop a fully-independent cylinder head that had four valves per piston. In 1986, AMG fitted a powerful 5.8-liter V8 into an E-Class coupe to further realize Aufrecht's original vision. The innovative engine integration earned the E-class coupe model the "Hammer", a nickname that has gained worldwide attention.

Mercedes-Benz did not officially begin working with AMG until the late 1980s. This relationship was established strictly within the racing category. Mercedes-Benz's 190 racecars were entered the racing circuit under the AMG title to earn 50 DTM wins between 1988 and 1993.

What happened to AMG after 1990?

In 1990, AMG's previous cooperation agreement with Daimer-Benz AG was terminated. AMG was accepted by many customers and could be sold across Mercedes-Benz's global network. In 1990, a third AMG plant was opened. This increased the company's workforce to 400. It also led to the Mercedes-Benz C 36 AMG being produced in 1993. This vehicle was the first to be jointly developed under the cooperative agreement.

A second significant development was in 1993 when AMG was recognized by the patent office as a trademark because of its new global prominence.

How did the DaimlerChrysler AG takeover affect AMG?

At the beginning of 1999, Aufrecht sold a majority stake in AMG to DaimlerChrysler AG. Six years later, DaimlerChrysler AG bought 100% of the shares. AMG was able to connect with a wider audience and expand its resources by making these business moves.

Amazing to think that AMG has grown from just two employees in its home workshop to over 1700 employees at the current Affalterbach facility. Mercedes-AMG GmbH is the current name of AMG. Every Mercedes-Benz AMG model delivers on its promises of efficiency and optimized performance.

AMG is currently working to create a vehicle line-up that meets the needs of diverse drivers. Mercedes-Benz has achieved this goal, with more than 50 AMG models available.

Let's now look at the history of the BMW M performance division.

How did BMW M begin?

In the 1960s and 1970s, M racing was established to support BMW's motorsport programs. BMW Motorsport GmbH was able to create some of the most beautiful road cars ever.

1972 saw the birth of BMW's M division. M's initial workforce was larger than AMG's two-person workforce of 35. M and AMG had similar levels of employees when M was able to hire 400 employees in 1988.

BMW's first M car was the M1, which debuted at the Paris Motor Show in 1978. The original M was a mid-engine coupe that produced 277 horsepower and could reach 165 mph. 1979 saw the official release of the BMW M535i, the first road-ready M vehicle. The vehicle had Recaro seats and larger brakes. It also featured a close-ratio transmission with a limited-slip differential.

Are you familiar with a non-M Series vehicle with an M badge on it? The trend started in 1983. There were just under 6,000 M635CSi cars built, while many owners added M badges to lower-ranking models.

When did the M5 come into being?

With the debut of the M5, the M performance division was on its feet. The innovative vehicle took the 5-Series' comfort and build quality and built it with an optimized performance design. BMW's first M5 was capable of going from 0 to 62 mph in just 6.5 seconds. This feat is still impressive. This level of comfort and performance was not possible at the time.

BMW started moving towards supercar territory with the 850CSi. The engine of this model was so well-tuned that it received the new S70 engine code. BMW's flagship model, the 850CSi, was made possible by an active four-wheel steering system and 375 horsepower.

What Was the M Performance Division's Impact on the 90s?

When the E36 M3 was introduced to the market in 1992, it had to make a statement. The E36 M3 was available in a coupe, convertible, saloon, and with two additional cylinders. 1995 saw the E36 M3 produce a staggering 316 horsepower and be crowned one of the most reliable cars of the 1990s.

The 1998 BMW M Roadster Coupe and Coupe models are excellent choices for auto enthusiasts looking for classic cars. The 1998 BMW M Roadster was a hybrid of the Z3 and E36 M3 Evo. This was also the year that the BMW E39 M5 was introduced to the public. BMW's E39M5 was lightning fast, with a 394-horsepower output. The vehicle went from 0-60 mph in just 4.8 seconds.

What BMWs attracted the most attention in the early 2000s?

The BMW M3 E46, the third generation of BMW's sports car, is widely regarded as one of the most versatile in history. The M3 E46's 338 horsepower and 0-62 mph time of 5.1 seconds made it a quiet car. Its lightweight design also made it one of the most versatile BMW vehicles ever.

2005 was a great year for M5 fans. BMW's Formula 1 collaboration resulted in the E60 M5 boasting 500 horsepower through its V10 engine. The 2005 BMW E60 M5 was the fastest four-door saloon at the time. The 2005 E60 M5 was able to be adjusted in real-time by drivers. Other technological advancements within the car allowed for a better gearshift speed.

What changes did the M Performance Division make after 2005?

In 2007, the first naturally-aspirated BMW M3 was released. The E93 M3 Coupe featured a V8 with 414 horsepower. BMW launched the four-door E90 Saloon a year later. The 2008 BMW was notable for its M-DCT twin-clutch transmission.

BMW's first M SUVs were introduced in 2009 to provide luxury SUVs like Porsche Cayenne Turbo with some competition. M enthusiasts continued to have opportunities to keep up with auto innovation with models like the 1-Series M in 2009. This model had a wider track and a higher power output than the standard 335i engine.

The 2015 BMW M2 had a rough start. Although the 2015 M2 was not a disaster, it was unable to match the power and handling of the 2015 Porsche 718 Cayman. BMW managed to rebound in 2018 with the M2 Competition Coupe. The new M2 Competition Coupe tuned the engine of BMW's M3 and received a major mechanical overhaul. The M2 Competition was able to provide drivers with a smooth ride and quality sales marks thanks to these adjustments.

The M8 is the latest addition to M Division. The new M Class vehicle can be ordered in Gran Coupe, Coupe, and Convertible configurations. The BMW M8's engine produces 616 horsepower from a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8. These performance specs allow the M8 and Gran Coupe rivals like Aston Martin or Mercedes-Benz AMG to be confidently compared.

The M vs. AMG rivalry is deeper than the current Gran Coupe market. Let's compare how BMW's M and Mercedes-Benz AMG perform in the following categories:

• Performance
• Driving feeling
• Innovation
• The "It" factor

Which Division has the best performance?

Mercedes-Benz AMG and BMW M Class models offer consistent, high-quality performance. Although both divisions have their cars tuned to perfection, Mercedes-Benz AMG is still ahead of its competitors in terms of performance. AMG models have more horsepower and torque than M models. An AMG car will give you the performance you need for a drag race.

Is the Ultimate Driving Machine up to its name?

BMW's Ultimate Driving Machine is a testament to the company's ability to focus on improving your driving experience. M vehicles are more like a driver's vehicle than AMG models. Although you are more likely to lose straight-line races behind an M Class car, you will have more fun driving an AMG. BMW achieves this feat by building the cars before developing the engine.

Who is the Leader in the Innovation Category

We are going to award BMW's M Division the Innovation Category win. AMG is known for making cars that are almost identical to its previous vehicles. BMW is still the leader in high-performance cars with models such as the M535i. M Division engineers integrated the 3.5-liter straight-six engine into the M535i to create one of the world's most powerful supercars.

Which Division has More of an "It Factor?"

What is the "it" factor? It's that overwhelming positive feeling you feel when you drive a truly exceptional car. BMW M cars offer a stronger "it factor" with more powerful engines, faster race cars, and better-priced performance models.

Engine tone is important. BMW M engines are well-known for producing a pleasant, musical tone.

BMW's race team is known for standing proudly behind its logo and striving to beat every Porsche. This passion for racing led to the creation of the M-1 Pro, and a victory at Le Mans in 1999.

You will need to stretch your budget if you want to get the best AMG has to provide. The M division's more affordable models have straight-six engines with attractive aesthetics that outweigh the less expensive AMG cars. AMG's A45 hatchback will convince you to choose a Performance M2 (or a used M3). The front grilles on the 2022 M3 are not recommended.

There you have it. Mercedes-Benz AMG wins over BMW M. Are you satisfied with our verdict? To continue the conversation, please comment on our social media feed.