splunge

Could use some help to justify spending the extra $9K between these two cars when equally equipped , other than the 120 hp and nicer sound . Also the C300 has Airmatic" as an option - would that be included as part of the 'Ride control' in the C43, in which case the difference in price is still $7K . Are there any other differences i'm missing other than the badges etc ?
Thanks in advance

MASSC450

Are you kidding? The C43 excels in a number of things worthy of it's increased price.


First and foremost, power...then improved handling, power, improved braking, power...notice a trend here?

flagman

I don't think you can get them equally equipped, as there are features in the C43 not available in the 300, so probably not a fair comparison.

As Mass said, the C450/43 excels in many areas (he didn't mention the smooth V6 vs a 4 banger). It is more performance focused, vs comfort/luxury for the 300. Have you driven them both?

My sense is that if you are interested in Airmatic, the C43 may not be your cup of tea.

The same question could be asked of the $20k difference between the C43 and C63. It all depends on the value you place on performance vs the other features of the car.

Mike5215

I had the same dilemma and chose the C300, with Air and everything else. (The 450 has an adaptive suspension but all three settings are relatively stiff vs an AirMatic car).

The extra money for the C450 would have gotten me better performance (which I didn't care about) and a less comfortable ride, which I did care about.

I also found the exhaust note of the C450 to become grating after a few minutes, and inescapable on the highway. I've had the 300 for six months, no regrets vs the 450.

BRBM

Also, Splunge, to the question of whether or not the vehicle is worthy of the AMG badge, here's what I posted based on my research. Keeping in mind, that the 43 has a 9-speed auto and 69/31 front-rear torque split; on balance a slightly better car than my 450. Oh, I also traded my 2009 C63, so while I'm somewhat crazy (some say), I'm not stupid. All I lost was 15-20% HP & torque, but also lost 200 lb. from the fat boy, 4040 pound C63. Yes, I took it to Atlantic Mayflower movers and scaled it; full tank of gas.

Long story short, you get all the stuff listed as legit AMG-performed upgrades for only $2K above the C400 4Matic.....a frickin steal. So for 9K over the 4-banger 300? You should jump all over that sh-- with no regret. Think about it. Pick a few C300 options and you're damn near @ 50K.

EXCERPT: Forever unworthy of the AMG badge for one reason (no hand-built powertrain originating in Affalterbach)......while being absolutely worthy for 5-10 (count the upgrades from the C400 4matic, all done for only a couple thou. in base price increase). And no, I've nothing but the 450 on my rear; I like the barely noticeable baby AMGs only on the front fenders.

Think I'm talking crazy? Note the upgrades or enhancements placing it squarely between the 400 and 63:

1. Engine (increased boost/power upgrade),
2. Exhaust (performance & sound upgrade + quad tips),
3. Brakes (C63-spec 14.2" front upgrade for sure, 12.5" rear...I think; not sure what the C400 has)
4. Added 4matic unavailable on the C63, as well as the 67/33 tweak from the C400's 55/45,
5. C63's hand-me-down variable ratio steering, (NOT COMPLAINING!)
6. C63's hand-me-down 3-stage adjustable dampers (NOT HERE EITHER),
7. C63's hand-me-down body work/cosmetic sport package - front & rear (NO HERE)
8. Diamond grille upgrade
9. Suspension: From the C400, it's retuned with more negative camber to enhance roadholding. Also, stiffer springs, bushings and steering knuckles tighten its body control and sharpen its response.[I]

S500Sport

If you're concerned about suspension, then don't worry. In comfort mode C450 has a noticable bounce in its suspension that irons out bumps in the road, its totally tolerable. I'd say test drive the C43. I don't think the suspension in Comfort mode will be a deal breaker for you, unless you're indifferent about having the extra performance.

I was worried about the C450's suspension as well (I think the C43 has the same suspension as C450). I am very happy about the suspension in comfort mode, I find it too "bouncy" sometimes and have to put it on Sport mode for high speed cruising. I use comfort around the streets in the city and it does well.

Get the C43/C450 IMHO.

Mike5215

It wasn't an easy decision by any means. The C450 fought me till the bitter end. Definitely drive the C450/43. If it immediately puts an ear to ear grin on your puss, that's your car. If on the other hand you're just "meh", put the extra dough into options on a loaded 300 and you'll be very happy.

splunge

Thanks one and all for replies- what a great forum !
The consensus seems to be that the AMG is definitely worth the added cost . I'm looking at a C300 cabrio for $72K versus a C43 cabrio for $80K . I'm definitely wanting the C43 ( I currently drive and love a 2014 C350 ), the only possible negatives are stiff suspension and exhaust drone ,both of which will hopefully be eliminated after a test drive .

Mike5215

Make it a long test drive. I took the C450 overnight, took it on surface streets and out on the interstate. It was the interstate that killed it for me. The power is fun though.

Shadwell

C43 all the way...
aside from all the benefits listed so far..
There is substantial untapped torque and power available in the v6 with stage 1 tune where as the 4cyl is already wound up fairly high and would require hardware to make note able grounds with..
Persoanlly I'd avoid the Cabrio though as the chassis flex and resulting creaks and groans with AMG suspension would drive me nuts... So I'd go the coupe..
my personal plan will be to go to a C43 wagon once I am done with this c300 AMG pack wagon..

splunge

The only reason I'm changing cars is to have the cabrio .
Regarding the chassis flex , all the reports /videos I've seen on this vehicle indicate that unlike most cabrios , this one is as stiff and draft free as the coupe .