AMG GLC 43 versus 63
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BMW M2 - want AMG GLC43/64
AMG GLC 43 versus 63
Hello all, I'm new to the forum and have typically been a BMW guy who has owned a 2011 M3 coupe and a 2017 M2 with DCT. I'm going to move on from the M2 and am looking at the AMG GLC 43 and 63 as a good balance between performance and practicality (3 kids). I'm assuming the chassis is similar if not the same between the 43 and 63 and the main difference in the hand crafted twin turbo V8 versus V6 in the 43 (correct me if I'm wrong). The car will be my daily driver, kid hauler, but I also like spirited driving and do a lot of country roads. I'm also a performance nut and always want more from that standpoint. Would you recommend a well - equipped 43 or go with a more basic 63? Does the 43 have enough performance/speed/fun to drive compared to the 63? Thank you!!
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GLC43, GTI, X3, Mazda3
Well, putting aside the fact the 43 is a "fake" AMG...sorry, couldn't resist (yes, that argument happens here as well as on the Bimmer forums)...it should be plenty vehicle for what you describe above. The 43 is fun for spirited driving and well suited for the daily thing, especially if you want to save a little $$ on gas...which kind of always makes me laugh when buying these types of vehicles. Anyway, everyone here can sing the pluses/minuses of each til the cows come home, but my best suggestion would be to go drive both and see what you think. It's funny, I was just reading a similar topic over on BP with respect to the X3MC and X3M40i, which you could equate to your question here. I will say, you more than likely will find a difference (big, perhaps) in the driving characteristics of AMG vs BMW, especially in steering feel. Good luck! 
PS. Although I really liked my GLC43, I will be moving to a GLC63 at some point. That more power thing always seems to get ya...
PS. Although I really liked my GLC43, I will be moving to a GLC63 at some point. That more power thing always seems to get ya...
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AMG GLC 63s Coupe
That's an ugly topic on this forum. You probably should just go get a X3M competition and not start a fight.....
As an M guy, do you consider a M40i a true M car? That's your answer.
None of the tech in the AMG "C" line is good.
The 63 is a beast, the 63S is a beast on steroids and both are "one man, one engine"
The 43 has AMG badges…
I heard one guy on here state that “a 43 is an AMG until it pulls up to a red-light next to a 63”.
I am not going to say anything because the last time I did, some guy with a 43 asked me if I wanted a cookie.
BTW, I did want one and told him I did but I never got one….
As an M guy, do you consider a M40i a true M car? That's your answer.
None of the tech in the AMG "C" line is good.
The 63 is a beast, the 63S is a beast on steroids and both are "one man, one engine"
The 43 has AMG badges…
I heard one guy on here state that “a 43 is an AMG until it pulls up to a red-light next to a 63”.
I am not going to say anything because the last time I did, some guy with a 43 asked me if I wanted a cookie.
BTW, I did want one and told him I did but I never got one….
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GLC43, GTI, X3, Mazda3
That's an ugly topic on this forum. You probably should just go get a X3M competition and not start a fight.....
As an M guy, do you consider a M40i a true M car? That's your answer.
None of the tech in the AMG "C" line is good.
The 63 is a beast, the 63S is a beast on steroids and both are "one man, one engine"
The 43 has AMG badges…
I heard one guy on here state that “a 43 is an AMG until it pulls up to a red-light next to a 63”.
I am not going to say anything because the last time I did, some guy with a 43 asked me if I wanted a cookie.
BTW, I did want one and told him I did but I never got one….
As an M guy, do you consider a M40i a true M car? That's your answer.
None of the tech in the AMG "C" line is good.
The 63 is a beast, the 63S is a beast on steroids and both are "one man, one engine"
The 43 has AMG badges…
I heard one guy on here state that “a 43 is an AMG until it pulls up to a red-light next to a 63”.
I am not going to say anything because the last time I did, some guy with a 43 asked me if I wanted a cookie.
BTW, I did want one and told him I did but I never got one….
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comments so bad.... lol...
how big are the kids ? will they really fit in a GLC ?
I've had a few ML/GLE's and ya can fit 3 adults pretty well back there width wise and leg room...
as far as 43 versus 63 ? go drive it and decide...
how big are the kids ? will they really fit in a GLC ?
I've had a few ML/GLE's and ya can fit 3 adults pretty well back there width wise and leg room...
as far as 43 versus 63 ? go drive it and decide...
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GLC 43
Hello all, I'm new to the forum and have typically been a BMW guy who has owned a 2011 M3 coupe and a 2017 M2 with DCT. I'm going to move on from the M2 and am looking at the AMG GLC 43 and 63 as a good balance between performance and practicality (3 kids). I'm assuming the chassis is similar if not the same between the 43 and 63 and the main difference in the hand crafted twin turbo V8 versus V6 in the 43 (correct me if I'm wrong). The car will be my daily driver, kid hauler, but I also like spirited driving and do a lot of country roads. I'm also a performance nut and always want more from that standpoint. Would you recommend a well - equipped 43 or go with a more basic 63? Does the 43 have enough performance/speed/fun to drive compared to the 63? Thank you!!
If spending another 15k-20k isn’t a concern to you, get the 63. Better to have the power and not use it than not having it and wish you did. The 63 and 43 also have quite a few mechanical differences other than the engine size. Best to test drive both if possible. If not a GLC, see if you can test drive any 63 and 43 for comparison.
I was lucky enough to participate in an amg driving academy at Laguna Seca where we drove/raced everything from a C43 to a GTR. Although the 43 is no slouch, the 63 is a very different animal on the track. And that’s the point I’m trying to make…how often will you be able to take full advantage of what the car has to offer. Both really nice cars.
btw I own a 2018 GLC43 as my daily driver and am very happy with it. The 63 wasn’t out yet when I bought, but I figure I probably saved more than $20k because the 63 would’ve definitely gotten me into trouble lol. Too much darn traffic around where I live to even take advantage of my 43 most of the time lol. Good luck!
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AMG GLC 63s Coupe
My GLE 63s was by far the ultimate road car. Great power, great comfort, great rear seat room. It is just the best of everything if you need a car that big. Boy, I do miss the comfort on road trips. Heck, my wife almost left me when I dumped it.
I think the moral to the story is....get whatever 63 fits your needs.....
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AMG GLC 63s Coupe
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R.K.
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Only MBs - the best or nothing
The price difference between GLC43 and GLC63 (of course there's no 63S SUV, only coupe) is just over $14K (not $20K posted somewhere above). Adding to GLC43 what is standard on GLC63 brings the real difference down by about $2,500 (between 2K and 3K, I do not remember exactly). Add Renntech tune to 43 (about $2.5K "installed" by an Authorized MB dealer), and the real difference is down to "only" $9K. GLC63's specs are 469hp/479tq, Renntech's specs for GLC43 are 416/460 respectively (so torque is very close to 63, but hp is not).
Only OP can determine if 43 is "enough" for OP in its stock form as tuned 43 can not be readily "test driven" or if $11K extra for GLC63 makes sense. By comparison, apples to apples difference between GLE43/63 is a massive $30K (of course GLE63, especially 63S, is significantly more powerful than GLE43). But since we're on GLC (not GLE) topic, I would probably go for GLC43 plus Renntech tune. GLC43/63 are identical inside and barely different outside (unlike GLE where interior/exterior differences are significant, but so is the price tag difference).
Only OP can determine if 43 is "enough" for OP in its stock form as tuned 43 can not be readily "test driven" or if $11K extra for GLC63 makes sense. By comparison, apples to apples difference between GLE43/63 is a massive $30K (of course GLE63, especially 63S, is significantly more powerful than GLE43). But since we're on GLC (not GLE) topic, I would probably go for GLC43 plus Renntech tune. GLC43/63 are identical inside and barely different outside (unlike GLE where interior/exterior differences are significant, but so is the price tag difference).
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AMG GLC 63s Coupe
A stock glc63 does 0 to 60 in around 3.6s and quarter mile at 12s and 115mph. A stock 43 does 0 to 60 in 4.8 sec and quarter in 13.4 at 105 mph. Tuned they run low 4s and high 12’s in the quarter. Not bad for just a tune and 20k saved. I would still rather have the 63 as well.
R.K.
R.K.
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2016 E63s
Sorry no dog in the fight here, coming from 212 E63.
There’s a saying with the boater crowd, “buy your last boat first”. If you’re seriously really looking at both, you won’t be happy until you get a 63. So just get the 63.
And notice all the 43’ers are justifying their purchase with “it would have been too much HP anyway” or “I would have been pulled over too many times”. BS - they didn’t have the financial means to pull it off, which is fine - not everyone has stupid amounts of money to blow on a car. But don’t pretend a 43 is anywhere near a 63, it’s just bad advice to the OP.
I came from an E550 and it wasn’t even in the same stratosphere as a true AMG.
There’s a saying with the boater crowd, “buy your last boat first”. If you’re seriously really looking at both, you won’t be happy until you get a 63. So just get the 63.
And notice all the 43’ers are justifying their purchase with “it would have been too much HP anyway” or “I would have been pulled over too many times”. BS - they didn’t have the financial means to pull it off, which is fine - not everyone has stupid amounts of money to blow on a car. But don’t pretend a 43 is anywhere near a 63, it’s just bad advice to the OP.
I came from an E550 and it wasn’t even in the same stratosphere as a true AMG.
Last edited by NoVAe63s; Feb 15, 2020 at 01:13 PM.
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Sorry no dog in the fight here, coming from 212 E63.
There’s a saying with the boater crowd, “but your last boat first”. If you’re seriously really looking at both, you won’t be happy until you get a 63. So just get the 63.
And notice all the 43’ers are justifying their purchase with “it would have been too much HP anyway” or “I would have been pulled over too many times”. BS - they didn’t have the financial means to pull it off, which is fine - not everyone has stupid amounts of money to blow on a car. But don’t pretend a 43 is anywhere near a 63, it’s just bad advice to the OP.
I came from an E550 and it wasn’t even in the same stratosphere as a true AMG.
There’s a saying with the boater crowd, “but your last boat first”. If you’re seriously really looking at both, you won’t be happy until you get a 63. So just get the 63.
And notice all the 43’ers are justifying their purchase with “it would have been too much HP anyway” or “I would have been pulled over too many times”. BS - they didn’t have the financial means to pull it off, which is fine - not everyone has stupid amounts of money to blow on a car. But don’t pretend a 43 is anywhere near a 63, it’s just bad advice to the OP.
I came from an E550 and it wasn’t even in the same stratosphere as a true AMG.
R.K.
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2020 AMG GLC 43
And notice all the 43’ers are justifying their purchase with “it would have been too much HP anyway” or “I would have been pulled over too many times”. BS - they didn’t have the financial means to pull it off, which is fine - not everyone has stupid amounts of money to blow on a car.
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2017 GLC43, 2009 Cadillac CTS-V
I'd say the GLC43 makes a nice daily driver if you have another toy in your garage. The AMG-lite can be very entertaining in sport/sport+ mode and makes much livelier exhaust sounds than the M-lite models from BMW. Just don't expect good fuel economy in Sport mode.
Now sure, the GLC63 is faster if you need your crossover to go sub 4 second 0-60 (I can live with mid 4-sec).
The really odd thing, IMO, is the GLC63 will be much better in the snow because it is the only GLC with torque vectoring AWD. In the future, I want to see torque vectoring on the daily driver.
Now sure, the GLC63 is faster if you need your crossover to go sub 4 second 0-60 (I can live with mid 4-sec).
The really odd thing, IMO, is the GLC63 will be much better in the snow because it is the only GLC with torque vectoring AWD. In the future, I want to see torque vectoring on the daily driver.
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RK - you’re not incorrect, but my opinion is that some give advice based on buyers remorse (on both sides) instead of objective facts. Is a 63 worth $15k more? It depends on the buyer, but a 43 is NOT a 63 “light”. Even with a tune, it’s not in the same class. A true AMG isn’t just a higher output engine, it’s set up to be a much more capable driver’s car. It’s similar to the M performance badges not being true M cars in any sense other than being “better” than base models. They can be very good cars but what has defined M and AMG is getting perverted when these manufacturers slap it on anything that has more horsepower.
People should just ignore the badging altogether. Does the $75k SUV outperform the $60k SUV? Yes. Does the $75k car do everything better? Yes. Does the $60k car get close in 0-60 with a $2k tune? Yes. If 0-60 is all you care about does the $60k car make sense with a tune? Probably. But I’m guessing someone cross shopping a 63 is interested in more than just how fast they can get to the next stoplight.
Tim, fair enough. Anything more than a practical Honda Accord is a waste of money, and maybe I’m projecting an E class on the GLC. $60k for a GLC43 is stupid. But let’s agree then that $120k for an E is absurdly stupid.
OP test drive both and let us know what you think?
People should just ignore the badging altogether. Does the $75k SUV outperform the $60k SUV? Yes. Does the $75k car do everything better? Yes. Does the $60k car get close in 0-60 with a $2k tune? Yes. If 0-60 is all you care about does the $60k car make sense with a tune? Probably. But I’m guessing someone cross shopping a 63 is interested in more than just how fast they can get to the next stoplight.
Tim, fair enough. Anything more than a practical Honda Accord is a waste of money, and maybe I’m projecting an E class on the GLC. $60k for a GLC43 is stupid. But let’s agree then that $120k for an E is absurdly stupid.
OP test drive both and let us know what you think?
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GLC 43
[QUOTE=NoVAe63s;7979490]Sorry no dog in the fight here, coming from 212 E63.
There’s a saying with the boater crowd, “but your last boat first”. If you’re seriously really looking at both, you won’t be happy until you get a 63. So just get the 63.
And notice all the 43’ers are justifying their purchase with “it would have been too much HP anyway” or “I would have been pulled over too many times”. BS - they didn’t have the financial means to pull it off, which is fine - not everyone has stupid amounts of money to blow on a car. But don’t pretend a 43 is anywhere near a 63, it’s just bad advice to the OP.
I came from an E550 and it wasn’t even in the same stratosphere as a true AMG.[/QUOTE
Wrong. Just because one doesn’t want to spend +$80k on a car doesn’t mean they don’t have the means to pay for it. What kind of car does Warren Buffet drive? FWIW mine was bought and paid for in cash…
I just don’t get why some 63 owners get so worked up about the 43 and now the 53…it’s only a car. I’m also guessing most haven’t actually driven a 43 or 53.
It’s alright if you can’t believe that I’m happy with my 43 but no need to bully the little brother of the family. Can’t we all just get along lol.
There’s a saying with the boater crowd, “but your last boat first”. If you’re seriously really looking at both, you won’t be happy until you get a 63. So just get the 63.
And notice all the 43’ers are justifying their purchase with “it would have been too much HP anyway” or “I would have been pulled over too many times”. BS - they didn’t have the financial means to pull it off, which is fine - not everyone has stupid amounts of money to blow on a car. But don’t pretend a 43 is anywhere near a 63, it’s just bad advice to the OP.
I came from an E550 and it wasn’t even in the same stratosphere as a true AMG.[/QUOTE
Wrong. Just because one doesn’t want to spend +$80k on a car doesn’t mean they don’t have the means to pay for it. What kind of car does Warren Buffet drive? FWIW mine was bought and paid for in cash…
I just don’t get why some 63 owners get so worked up about the 43 and now the 53…it’s only a car. I’m also guessing most haven’t actually driven a 43 or 53.
It’s alright if you can’t believe that I’m happy with my 43 but no need to bully the little brother of the family. Can’t we all just get along lol.
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2016 E63s
Not bullying the little brother. The lil’ bro’ has its place and still better car than many. And it’s not some smug elitism either. It’s the little brother saying he can beat up the big brother for no other reason than he thinks he’s 50 sit-ups away from an even match, but facts matter. I challenged my older brother once when I was 12, didn’t end well for me.
The OP’s question is not if a 43 is a good car or value. It’s if he - as a “performance nut” and someone who “likes spirited driving and does a lot of country roads” - should go for the 63 over the 43. The assumption he made and asked correcting on was whether the main difference was the engine. Some seemed to suggest that yes, it’s only the engine that differentiates and that a simple tune would get a 43 close to a 63 for a performance nut who enjoys spirited driving. I obviously completely disagree.
I have not driven an E53, but my 550 was no slouch with the M278. You put a Renntech stage 2 tune on an M278 and you can approach M157 power. But the suspension, transmission, steering, exhaust note, and power under the entire curve can’t be flashed into existence. They are completely different animals, and I suspect the same holds for the GLC (and for that matter, C, S, etc).
It sounds like we’ll have to agree to disagree. I just hope the OP gets something out of the discussion, that’s why we’re here.
The OP’s question is not if a 43 is a good car or value. It’s if he - as a “performance nut” and someone who “likes spirited driving and does a lot of country roads” - should go for the 63 over the 43. The assumption he made and asked correcting on was whether the main difference was the engine. Some seemed to suggest that yes, it’s only the engine that differentiates and that a simple tune would get a 43 close to a 63 for a performance nut who enjoys spirited driving. I obviously completely disagree.
I have not driven an E53, but my 550 was no slouch with the M278. You put a Renntech stage 2 tune on an M278 and you can approach M157 power. But the suspension, transmission, steering, exhaust note, and power under the entire curve can’t be flashed into existence. They are completely different animals, and I suspect the same holds for the GLC (and for that matter, C, S, etc).
It sounds like we’ll have to agree to disagree. I just hope the OP gets something out of the discussion, that’s why we’re here.
