Slow 2015 W205 Mercedes-AMG C63 S M177 test numbers? 12.2@116 1/4 mile from Car and Driver

[Sticky]

This is a bit odd. Especially considering that independent dragstrip results show ~119 mile per hour trap speeds out of the C63 AMG S. Not to mention that MotorTrend got 119.5 miles per hour out of it in the 1/4 mile. Car and Driver is matching the elapsed time but with a much slower trap speed.

As a matter of fact, Car and Driver has the C63 AMG S as slower than the ATS-V and BMW M3. MotorTrend on the other hand has the C63 AMG S as the fastest out of the ATS-V and BMW M3 trio.

So which is it? How do the numbers from two magazines differ by so much? BenzBoost believes the C63 AMG S is the faster than the ATS-V and M3. Independent direct comparisons show the C63 AMG S smoking the F80 M3 on the highway and all test numbers for the ATS-V show it as slower than the M3 and C63 AMG S except for one anomalous comparison from Car and Driver that also happens to show the ATS-V as much faster than either.

What is going on here? Sounds to us like someone is either cooking the numbers or the ECU software. Either way this just goes to show how magazine numbers are less reliable today than they have ever been.

Also, Car and Driver, the C63 AMG S does not have a dual clutch 'automatic' as you call it. It features a MCT (multi-clutch) automatic. If you guys can not even get the basics right...

VEHICLE TYPE:front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan

PRICE AS TESTED:$91,080 (base price: $72,825)

ENGINE TYPE:twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 32-valve V-8, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection

DISPLACEMENT:243 cu in, 3982 cc
Power: 503 hp @ 6250 rpm
Torque: 516 lb-ft @ 1750 rpm

TRANSMISSION:7-speed dual-clutch automatic with manual shifting mode

DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 111.8 in
Length: 187.2 in
Width: 72.4 in Height:56.1 in
Passenger volume: 95 cu ft
Cargo volume: 13 cu ft
Curb weight: 3939 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS:
Zero to 60 mph: 3.9 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 9.1 sec
Zero to 130 mph: 15.9 sec
Rolling start, 5-60 mph: 4.3 sec
Top gear, 30-50 mph: 2.4 sec
Top gear, 50-70 mph: 2.8 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 12.2 sec @ 116 mph
Top speed (governor limited, mfr's claim): 180 mph
Braking, 70-0 mph: 147 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.98 g
FUEL ECONOMY:
EPA city/highway: 18/25 mpg

C/D observed: 17 mpg

[Fast Lane]

Depends on DA.

[Sticky]

Depends on DA.

Of course but if a test has all the cars at the same time is the C63 really losing to the M3 and ATS-V?