transition to c43 from c63?
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AMG C63S
After your initial posts here you mention you maybe should drive a C63S. If you were seriously considering both the C43 and the C63S, you should have driven both. Online research is great, I do a ton of it myself. But driving both cars would give you additional perspective. In the end you might still have chosen your C43.
A lot to be said for smaller motors and all wheel drive. My daily driver before my C63S Cabriolet was a tuned Audi S4. Supercharged V6, with all wheel drive, tuned to 430HP was great fun. But I was looking for something more, and I am very happy with my C63S.
In in the end, if your happy with your choice, that’s all that matters. Trying to talk a group of happy C63S owners into a C43 hasn’t panned out well from some of the responses. Asking this group if they would consider switching to a E63S 4 matic, might get a few more positive responses.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Oct 2017
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From: inahouse
2018 amg c43 cabriolet
thanks guys, all good input 'cept the trolling inference. I prefer smaller engines right now.
Totally happy with my decision so far.
cheers
Totally happy with my decision so far.
cheers
Last edited by oakmossy; Oct 23, 2017 at 10:35 AM.
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2016 C63S Sedan
thanks guys, all good input 'cept the trolling inference. More or less trying to learn about my new toy and my first Merc. I will report back when I test drive a c63(s). Initially I did test a mustang gt, camaro ss, porsche boxster and 911, and LC500 lexus. I never considered a c63 because I was looking for a fast and fun ride which I found in the c43 and tend to favor smaller engines which are maximized vis a vis hp and torque ( formula 1 interest).
Totally happy with my decision so far.
cheers
Totally happy with my decision so far.
cheers
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2017 C63s Sedan | 2016 Yukon XL Denali
I did TON of research before buying my C63s sedan.
At first, I was working with a smaller budget of "around" $50k (that didn't stay) and looking specifically for a sports sedan to fit my family. Didn't like the Dodge, Audi didn't have the new S4 out yet, Focus RS was too small, etc. Just not much out there. Finally, I had it between the Chevy SS Sedan and the GLA45. I drove the SS and with the manual trans, it's a beast. For the money, it's a great car. Found a used GLA45 and drove that - WOW. That thing is fun! Took a trip to Mercedes and ended up driving a C450 (this is before C43) that the salesperson was trying to sell me. Honestly, it didn't have the "fun factor" that I was looking for. Kind of felt flat. Nice interior, finishes, etc., but still missing something.
As it was getting closer to time to buy, took the wife and kids and test drove the CLA45 and checked out the GLA45. Both were too small. Then they start looking at the C450 in the showroom. They loved the size and comfort. My wife called the size more "sophisticated", and I had to agree. It would be more comfortable for taking 4 adults, where the GLA and CLA would not. I explained that I drove it and it wasn't right....and the budget exploded!
Found a dealer that had a w205 C63s a couple hours from me - went and drove that one. SOLD! There simply is no comparison - from the interior to the longer front, ridges on the hood, suspension, tuning, and that beastly sound.
Point being, I don't see any reason why I would ever go to the C43 from the C63. It's not about a "real AMG", but about the aforementioned reasons.
At first, I was working with a smaller budget of "around" $50k (that didn't stay) and looking specifically for a sports sedan to fit my family. Didn't like the Dodge, Audi didn't have the new S4 out yet, Focus RS was too small, etc. Just not much out there. Finally, I had it between the Chevy SS Sedan and the GLA45. I drove the SS and with the manual trans, it's a beast. For the money, it's a great car. Found a used GLA45 and drove that - WOW. That thing is fun! Took a trip to Mercedes and ended up driving a C450 (this is before C43) that the salesperson was trying to sell me. Honestly, it didn't have the "fun factor" that I was looking for. Kind of felt flat. Nice interior, finishes, etc., but still missing something.
As it was getting closer to time to buy, took the wife and kids and test drove the CLA45 and checked out the GLA45. Both were too small. Then they start looking at the C450 in the showroom. They loved the size and comfort. My wife called the size more "sophisticated", and I had to agree. It would be more comfortable for taking 4 adults, where the GLA and CLA would not. I explained that I drove it and it wasn't right....and the budget exploded!
Found a dealer that had a w205 C63s a couple hours from me - went and drove that one. SOLD! There simply is no comparison - from the interior to the longer front, ridges on the hood, suspension, tuning, and that beastly sound.
Point being, I don't see any reason why I would ever go to the C43 from the C63. It's not about a "real AMG", but about the aforementioned reasons.
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From: Houston, TX
'15 C63S
We have to remember that even though there is heritage/history/lineage with AMG, it is now owned by MB and will morph into whatever helps advance the brand (increase sales numbers, create "halo" cars to bring buzz to the brand, etc.). Look at the history of Ferrari. Everyone looks at the 488 as being the "true Ferrari" in the current lineup, but if you look at the history of what created the brand it was front-engine GT cars sold solely to fund the racing teams. Over time, the perception of the brand morphed from one that produced fast-but-traditional road cars to one that makes race cars for the street. The current California T is way closer to the traditional Ferrari than the 488 that everyone thinks is instead. This isn't even getting into the actual "brand". Ferrari buyers today probably couldn't imagine not being able to buy matching luggage covers, baseball caps, cheap but expensive watches, little kid driver suits, and "authentic" Ferrari casual racing shoes. I doubt that would have ever happened on Enzo's watch (unless it somehow helped better fund racing efforts).
Same story applies to AMG. Brands evolve. The past is the past. People need to realize it's not 1992 anymore. Time to move on. If you were to survey all current AMG owners and asked about whether the engine being hand-built is important to them, I guarantee you 90+% of people either don't even know about it or simply don't care. It's only the small, devoted, vocal subset of people that go on forums like this that would even remotely care about that. Hell, if they can make the M177 with robots and somehow it performs better and/or is more reliable, I'd be the first one in line for the new, better engine.
Same story applies to AMG. Brands evolve. The past is the past. People need to realize it's not 1992 anymore. Time to move on. If you were to survey all current AMG owners and asked about whether the engine being hand-built is important to them, I guarantee you 90+% of people either don't even know about it or simply don't care. It's only the small, devoted, vocal subset of people that go on forums like this that would even remotely care about that. Hell, if they can make the M177 with robots and somehow it performs better and/or is more reliable, I'd be the first one in line for the new, better engine.
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From: Houston, TX
'15 C63S
As for the original topic....
Even though it's the exception for sure, I could see someone moving from the C63S to the C43. Someone gets married and/or has kids and needs something more subdued for their new daily grind. Someone who bought the C63S for the performance and practicality wrapped into one package and then realized they'd rather have an easier daily driver car with 85% of the performance and get a true sports car as a second car. Someone who needs a quieter car because their neighbors keep calling the cops on them every time they fire up their car in the morning.
Even though it's the exception for sure, I could see someone moving from the C63S to the C43. Someone gets married and/or has kids and needs something more subdued for their new daily grind. Someone who bought the C63S for the performance and practicality wrapped into one package and then realized they'd rather have an easier daily driver car with 85% of the performance and get a true sports car as a second car. Someone who needs a quieter car because their neighbors keep calling the cops on them every time they fire up their car in the morning.
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2020 AMG C63S Brilliant Blue
As for the original topic....
Even though it's the exception for sure, I could see someone moving from the C63S to the C43. Someone gets married and/or has kids and needs something more subdued for their new daily grind. Someone who bought the C63S for the performance and practicality wrapped into one package and then realized they'd rather have an easier daily driver car with 85% of the performance and get a true sports car as a second car. Someone who needs a quieter car because their neighbors keep calling the cops on them every time they fire up their car in the morning.
Even though it's the exception for sure, I could see someone moving from the C63S to the C43. Someone gets married and/or has kids and needs something more subdued for their new daily grind. Someone who bought the C63S for the performance and practicality wrapped into one package and then realized they'd rather have an easier daily driver car with 85% of the performance and get a true sports car as a second car. Someone who needs a quieter car because their neighbors keep calling the cops on them every time they fire up their car in the morning.
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From: Austin, TX
2017 Porsche 911 C4
As for the original topic....
Even though it's the exception for sure, I could see someone moving from the C63S to the C43. Someone gets married and/or has kids and needs something more subdued for their new daily grind. Someone who bought the C63S for the performance and practicality wrapped into one package and then realized they'd rather have an easier daily driver car with 85% of the performance and get a true sports car as a second car. Someone who needs a quieter car because their neighbors keep calling the cops on them every time they fire up their car in the morning.
Even though it's the exception for sure, I could see someone moving from the C63S to the C43. Someone gets married and/or has kids and needs something more subdued for their new daily grind. Someone who bought the C63S for the performance and practicality wrapped into one package and then realized they'd rather have an easier daily driver car with 85% of the performance and get a true sports car as a second car. Someone who needs a quieter car because their neighbors keep calling the cops on them every time they fire up their car in the morning.
Also, if I was shopping in the C43/S4/M340i space, the C43 would not be at the top of my list for a comfortable and practical daily... the S4 fits that much better.
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From: Houston, TX
'15 C63S
Let me be the contrarian. I'm married, with 2 kids under 3. I have an SUV, an E36 M3, and sold my E92 M3 to get a 4 seater daily driver. Never once did I consider a C43. I got the C63s sedan, and have 2 child seats in the back. I put the car in comfort mode when I take them to daycare. I drive around in Sport+ all day long. That's the great thing about the C63, it's more than subdued when you want it to be, but transforms into a monster at the press of a button.
85% of performance is a bit of a stretch. And the C63S is not that loud when you start it in comfort mode with the valves closed.
Also, if I was shopping in the C43/S4/M340i space, the C43 would not be at the top of my list for a comfortable and practical daily... the S4 fits that much better.
Also, if I was shopping in the C43/S4/M340i space, the C43 would not be at the top of my list for a comfortable and practical daily... the S4 fits that much better.
And even in Comfort mode, the C63S isn't exactly quiet.
Last edited by msd3075; Oct 23, 2017 at 05:35 PM.
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From: Edmonton Alberta Canada
Mercedes-AMG C63S Edition 1
I'd need to be on some strong drugs to consider downgrading to a C43 
. C63S is better in every aspect (A lot better) and can easily be driven during the winter time with winter tires (Done it in Edmonton for 2 winters now and preparing for my third winter you just need to know how to drive properly), and who cares about a 9 speed transmission vs a 7? Only way I can see someone downgrading is if they took a huge hit financially and can no longer afford a C63S, but even then I'd rather get into a real AMG like the CLA 45 which is truly an amazing car.
. C63S is better in every aspect (A lot better) and can easily be driven during the winter time with winter tires (Done it in Edmonton for 2 winters now and preparing for my third winter you just need to know how to drive properly), and who cares about a 9 speed transmission vs a 7? Only way I can see someone downgrading is if they took a huge hit financially and can no longer afford a C63S, but even then I'd rather get into a real AMG like the CLA 45 which is truly an amazing car.
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Final Edition C63s / RS3 Sportback
I'd need to be on some strong drugs to consider downgrading to a C43 . C63S is better in every aspect (A lot better) and can easily be driven during the winter time with winter tires (Done it in Edmonton for 2 winters now and preparing for my third winter you just need to know how to drive properly), and who cares about a 9 speed transmission vs a 7? Only way I can see someone downgrading is if they took a huge hit financially and can no longer afford a C63S, but even then I'd rather get into a real AMG like the CLA 45 which is truly an amazing car.
. C63S is better in every aspect (A lot better) and can easily be driven during the winter time with winter tires (Done it in Edmonton for 2 winters now and preparing for my third winter you just need to know how to drive properly), and who cares about a 9 speed transmission vs a 7? Only way I can see someone downgrading is if they took a huge hit financially and can no longer afford a C63S, but even then I'd rather get into a real AMG like the CLA 45 which is truly an amazing car.
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2005 E55 Wagon, 2017 C63S Cab, 1986 560SL
Let me be the contrarian. I'm married, with 2 kids under 3. I have an SUV, an E36 M3, and sold my E92 M3 to get a 4 seater daily driver. Never once did I consider a C43. I got the C63s sedan, and have 2 child seats in the back. I put the car in comfort mode when I take them to daycare. I drive around in Sport+ all day long. That's the great thing about the C63, it's more than subdued when you want it to be, but transforms into a monster at the press of a button.
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2021 GLE 53 Iridium Silver
I have a 2017 C63 S that will only be driven in the summer months. For my winter vehicle, I have a new 2018 GLC 43 Coupe. It is actually a quick little vehicle for a v6 and will make parking my C63 a little easier. It has plenty of power for winter driving and has the same looking technology as my C63. Don't think I would ever give up my C63 for a 43 but it is a good alternative drive.
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2018 Audi S6
Well, that 'change' might only be good for somebody in my situation, who is being forced to buy something more comfortable, quieter, and less stiff than the C63 coupe I'm considering. But unless I'm wrong, since I can afford a C63, I'm thinking the new E400 coupe is going to be miles better than a C43, and can also be had in 4matic (I want RWD). I know I'll give up the feel of a great sports car, but that's life. Really glad those younger folks' wives find the C63 coupe acceptable, but unfortunately, my almost 55-yr-old wife doesn't. Had some fun cars in decades past, but it's time to move to something more comfortable if I want her to continue traveling with me...and I do. That's the only reason I might have to pass on the C63. But since I've never owned an MB, want to own one. Will still drive a C63 coupe when I can, but it seems like the E400 coupe might be my first Benz. We'll see.
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2021 E63 S Sedan
Well, that 'change' might only be good for somebody in my situation, who is being forced to buy something more comfortable, quieter, and less stiff than the C63 coupe I'm considering. But unless I'm wrong, since I can afford a C63, I'm thinking the new E400 coupe is going to be miles better than a C43, and can also be had in 4matic (I want RWD). I know I'll give up the feel of a great sports car, but that's life. Really glad those younger folks' wives find the C63 coupe acceptable, but unfortunately, my almost 55-yr-old wife doesn't. Had some fun cars in decades past, but it's time to move to something more comfortable if I want her to continue traveling with me...and I do. That's the only reason I might have to pass on the C63. But since I've never owned an MB, want to own one. Will still drive a C63 coupe when I can, but it seems like the E400 coupe might be my first Benz. We'll see.
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2019 Audi SQ5, 2011 Toyota Tacoma TRD 4wd, 2016 Ford Focus se Hatchback
Well, that 'change' might only be good for somebody in my situation, who is being forced to buy something more comfortable, quieter, and less stiff than the C63 coupe I'm considering. But unless I'm wrong, since I can afford a C63, I'm thinking the new E400 coupe is going to be miles better than a C43, and can also be had in 4matic (I want RWD). I know I'll give up the feel of a great sports car, but that's life. Really glad those younger folks' wives find the C63 coupe acceptable, but unfortunately, my almost 55-yr-old wife doesn't. Had some fun cars in decades past, but it's time to move to something more comfortable if I want her to continue traveling with me...and I do. That's the only reason I might have to pass on the C63. But since I've never owned an MB, want to own one. Will still drive a C63 coupe when I can, but it seems like the E400 coupe might be my first Benz. We'll see.
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From: Edmonton Alberta Canada
Mercedes-AMG C63S Edition 1
Well, that 'change' might only be good for somebody in my situation, who is being forced to buy something more comfortable, quieter, and less stiff than the C63 coupe I'm considering. But unless I'm wrong, since I can afford a C63, I'm thinking the new E400 coupe is going to be miles better than a C43, and can also be had in 4matic (I want RWD). I know I'll give up the feel of a great sports car, but that's life. Really glad those younger folks' wives find the C63 coupe acceptable, but unfortunately, my almost 55-yr-old wife doesn't. Had some fun cars in decades past, but it's time to move to something more comfortable if I want her to continue traveling with me...and I do. That's the only reason I might have to pass on the C63. But since I've never owned an MB, want to own one. Will still drive a C63 coupe when I can, but it seems like the E400 coupe might be my first Benz. We'll see.
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2020 GLE 53 AMG
For her car, I'll have more input because I'm into cars so I know the little things she'll come to appreciate over time or the options she "doesn't know she wants" until she has them. But at the end of the day, the car she gets also has to be a car that she feels happy driving. And I think that goes for everyone.
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2018 Audi S6
.
. I have your 'attitude' too, but that's exactly my issue. My nice car will just stay parked most of the time. What a waste. I prefer to be able to enjoy it more, but that's the decision I'll have to make. I'm hoping the C63 coupe doesn't cross her threshhold. We'll see. In the mean time, will keep enjoying my car, but since I work from home, mostly only use it for long trips with my wife, which now won't happen again. I could only use it myself for day or 2-day rides to the twisties, and it's boring just by myself.
.
Last edited by elp_jc; Oct 28, 2017 at 08:48 PM.
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E320
Seems kind of a silly or irrelevant topic, the one beginning this thread, as these are two very different cars in philosophy, design and what they're trying to do. I guess I can understand "purists" taking offense to any attempt by MZB to broaden the brand appeal by cheapening or making a more assembly-line produced version of a hand-made vehicle. I have no problem acknowledging that a C63 is a bit "too much car" for me and tend to measure myself more by who I am when I step out of the ride as opposed to once I'm inside and the doors are locked. The title of some of the threads (i.e. "disappointed in the 1/4 mile") in the 63 forum are enough of a giveaway. I bought a C43 as a comparable option to an S4, not a C63, and because it has AWD and I do some winter driving. I'd imagine it's a bit harder to fly under the radar in a C63 and that's an important consideration for some of us as well (and in some cases why those who opt for the S4 over the C43 do so.) These car manufacturers need to move vehicles and make money; as such they know the various niches and other brand model competition for every vehicle they design. The idea that someone at Mercedes thought "let's try to move some of these on the idea that it's a little brother to a C63" is a bit absurd. Different ride, different price, different deal.
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2021 Mercedes C63s AMG Coupe
I want to say something here with no intention of offending any 63s owners. I really think some of you should take a step back and stop your ego from downright dismissing a 43 that easily. I am going to be upgrading to a 63s coupe soon once the facelift comes out, but this will be purely for aesthetical reason as the 63 coupe looks out of the world aggressive.
But even after getting the 63s I will never ever dismiss the 43. Having driven both and swapping it for a week even with my friend's 63s, I can tell you that if you underestimate a C43 that much, stock vs stock you are due for a rude awakening. If you guys ever have some free time, go to a dealership and ask to test drive a 43 with a PE. The PE makes a much bigger difference with the 43 than the 63 as noticed by a lot of people. Also case in point, MT's review car did not have PE. If you want the real impression of a c63vs c43, watch Rokenr's review of it. And if you are under the impression that the c63 pops and crackles a lot, you clearly have never heard the overrun on a 43 on lift off neither have you heard the upshift bangs that the 43 with a PE makes. It does not take me a long time to drown the sound of my friend's 63s with my 43 at city driving speeds. I also have a lot of go pro videos of me roaming around with him, I will upload one if I get a chance.
What I am trying to say is, I will be getting a 63s soon, it is one of my all time favorite car. But it would be a really really really hard day for me when I will have to say goodbye to my 43. If you have not driven it, don't dismiss it like that.
But even after getting the 63s I will never ever dismiss the 43. Having driven both and swapping it for a week even with my friend's 63s, I can tell you that if you underestimate a C43 that much, stock vs stock you are due for a rude awakening. If you guys ever have some free time, go to a dealership and ask to test drive a 43 with a PE. The PE makes a much bigger difference with the 43 than the 63 as noticed by a lot of people. Also case in point, MT's review car did not have PE. If you want the real impression of a c63vs c43, watch Rokenr's review of it. And if you are under the impression that the c63 pops and crackles a lot, you clearly have never heard the overrun on a 43 on lift off neither have you heard the upshift bangs that the 43 with a PE makes. It does not take me a long time to drown the sound of my friend's 63s with my 43 at city driving speeds. I also have a lot of go pro videos of me roaming around with him, I will upload one if I get a chance.
What I am trying to say is, I will be getting a 63s soon, it is one of my all time favorite car. But it would be a really really really hard day for me when I will have to say goodbye to my 43. If you have not driven it, don't dismiss it like that.
Last edited by munis; Oct 31, 2017 at 04:40 PM.
