Spartan76

First - hello everyone!

I have been lurking for a while and reading through the helpful info but thought it was time to join the fray!

I'd be grateful to receive some input from the members here as it is time for me to upgrade my current 2014 E400 cabrio to drop top versions of either the C43or C63. I have test driven both (on a wet day) and due to the conditions, I thought the C43 had a better drive due to the four wheel drive. On the basis that I live in London, and the UK has its fair share of damp weather (and this will be a daily driver) this pushed me heavily towards the C43.

While I prefer the look of the C43 and understand that it follows the traditional AMG "one man one engine" approach, it struck me that perhaps the extra 100BHP would rarely be utilised by me (I will never use it on a track). I also really liked the C43's playful exhaust notes and I while appreciate it might not be to everyone's taste, I found it really fun in person. The C63 has the more raw and aggressive V8 growl that commands respect but the sound is possibly more toned down in the playfulness department than the C43 with the valves open.

However, I am now having the predictable doubts and wondering whether it will be a mistake to not opt for the C63. The cost difference is, in the greater scheme of things, marginal and certainly not a deal breaker.

I have seen that real enthusiasts plump for the C63 for the extra performance capability and heritage but wonder if it will give a substantial performance enhancement over the C43 in everyday life. I prefer the C43 interior (because the colour scheme I want isn’t available on the 63) but prefer the more muscular look of the C63.

I appreciate that they are two quite different cars, but would be grateful on feedback on daily use of the C63, and how people are generally comparing the two vehicles. I have read a few people on forums dig out the C43 ( based on the badging I guess) which I think is slightly unfair as it did not come across as a slouch to me.

Anyway, any views and thoughts grateful received!

bgm130

If i was in your situation i would go with the c43. load it up nicely and if you are not racing it i doubt you will even notice the lack of power. however living with RWD in a rainy climate with monster torque you will certainly notice. To most people you cant tell the two cars apart, i have had to explain how to tell to a few "car" people and they never noticed before.
If you do end up missing some power the c43 can easily be tuned to get closer to the c63. there are also some aftermarket body parts you can add to make the c43 a bit more aggressive.
good luck with the purchase

jkob5

There's not really a comparison. You buy an AMG for the v8, handbuilt 1 man 1 engine. If you don't need the AWD and you can afford it, get the 63s.

bweinber

Well, some people might buy an AMG for that reason. Others might not. One man/one engine is marketing, just like the AMG badges on the back of my C43. (Let the flames fly!)

I could afford a C63, but I bought a C43. Why? It has more power than I need for 97% of my driving, and enough the other 3%. It's great for my commute to work and around town. I wanted something more sporty/powerful than the standard C-class/A4/3 series, and this fit the bill. I love the AWD and the looks are great. The V6 exhaust sounds great.

I was never going to track the car. I don't challenge Hellcats to street races. Don't feel the need to slide the back of the car out. The extra 100 HP would be marginal for me, so I saved the $. Spent some of it equipping the car with features I wanted (leather, ventillated seats, etc), saved the rest.

I've got respect for all the C63/C63s drivers out there. I definitely dig the more aggressive looking fenders. However, the C43 is a great looking great performing car that is enough for a lot of people, including me. You just need to decide whether or not that's you.

guhvies

This link has the car you want. Just my 2 pence worth post BREXIT vote. I don't think you could go wrong with the cabrio. Plus since the UK has the most amount of convertibles sold in Europe, you'd have a special one. Oh and it only comes in C43 form...

DragonRR

Biased but I would go C63s, the car is fantastic to drive. If you go on the AMG driving experience (not far from you) then you will learn how it handles in the wet and be less concerned about putting your foot down. I mention S because of the extra power and the electronic rear diff https://www.autoevolution.com/news/m...deo-98957.html which is noticeably better at getting the power down (from my point of view).

Spartan76

Thank you to everyone for your replies - I'll respond properly when I'm not on my cell. Very helpful.

Spartan76

Seriously - I'm spellbound. Those models are beautiful - any idea when they'll be available for purchase?

DVision44

Did you even read what he wrote? Smh

kck77

+1

Dthquazi

Was this thread really necessary? By reading what you put, it seems clear you have decided already. Get the c43 and be happy.

roy777

Nothing wrong with someone just wants a little sway/push here and there.

guhvies

Nope, the article says after the Geneva Motor show..

Bluetonic

My head was telling me to get the 43. More practice 4WD, more economical, costs less, enough "usable" power, almost identical interior and not many external differences.

But my heart will win on the 63S every time, the V8, the ridiculous power delivery, the noise, the wheel options and did I mention the V8.

I know 100% if I had got the C43 I would love it and have a bit more money in my pocket, but a part of me would always be thinking I wish I would have got the 63.

This is my first Mercedes so I wanted to make it special and I've always liked the idea of a C63 coupe.

zendnez

I went through the same internal debate. C43 Cab vs. C63 Cab. Wasn't an issue of cost in my case, either.

I live just outside of Seattle where the climate isn't all that different from yours. Plenty of rain, a bit of snow, icy roads on cold mornings. I was coming from an AWD S5 Cab.

When weather permits, I prefer to ride my motorcycles. When I switch from two to four wheels, I want the car to handle the elements.

I went with the C43 Cab - placed an order in October and then waited it out until it arrived a couple of weeks ago. I spent most of that time questioning my decision and wondering if I'd have remorse over not going with the C63. Lurking in these forums didn't help since they've clearly been infiltrated by AMG fetishists .

Two weeks with the C43 Cab and I'm not regretting my decision one bit. It's a fantastic ride. Plenty of power for my use. Sure, I won't win a drag or track race with a bigger beast, but for everything from commuting to fun in the twisties, the car is a blast to drive. I'm also planning to be pleased with the reduced maintenance cycles and the time and money I'll save on fewer brake and tire replacements.

A couple of tips:

- Since you're debating the C63, do go for the sport exhaust. The differences between Comfort -> Sport -> Sport + are significant and the sport exhaust plays a decisive role

- AirScarf! AirScarf! Please get the AirScarf! I love it. My wife loves it. Top up or down, it's a great feature.

- I'm on the fence about the heads up display. I've settled on the view which combines tach, travel speed, and gear. I could easily live without it. The reason I like this particular view is primarily the gear display. Watching the car travel through its nine gears is very entertaining. I'll find myself in Sport + mode, traveling in 5th gear somewhere around 35 mph. A slight touch of the throttle and the gearbox leaps straight to 3rd gear, turbos kick in, exhaust coughs, and your off. The HUDs part of the fun, but not necessary.

Hope this helps. I don't think you can go wrong either way.

roy777

I have to drop my 2 cents in after reading all the replies. I totally regret not getting the C63s. C43 is just not enough grunt for me. I came from a 500whp Evo X and thought perhaps the luxury cabin will hold me over but after months go by, I still yearn for that power and the C43 is just not enough. Plenty powerful on surface streets however once on the highway, it just doesn't pull hard enough.

But don't get me wrong, I still love the C43 for what it is. I am now taking a big loss as I am about to trade this in for a C63s if the deal is right.

Bluetonic

Could be worse.

I saw this today and I'm finding myself planning for replacing the wife's car...

Surge

Agree 100%
Not to put down those who like the C43, but it's not a real AMG. It's a marketing move to broaden their sales.

Trust me - if you drive the C63 properly on dry roads, its game-over. There is no comparison!

Perhaps I'm wrong but isn't the C43 the regular C class chassis, with some minor tweaks? The C63 is wider, totally different.

You didn't specify how long you intend to keep it. Is this a lease, or will this be a long-term possession? If the latter, the C63 will hold its value much better, no question.

As for for the extra HP in non-track settings- it's not so much that, it's the extra torque that you'll feel. It's highly addictive! I have driven the M178 engine but own the M156 C63 507 Edition. It's definitely tons of fun in the city, and you don't have to break the law to enjoy it.

I love over the V8 sound on startup, and even just driving at single-digit speeds, it's very special.

If you can afford it, C63 all the way. No question. You won't regret it!

good luck

Surge

Another thing to add is the 4WD issue:
I live in Canada and drive my C63 year round. 2WD IS NOT AN ISSUE!

Look: when you brake it doesn't matter how many wheels are driven. And braking is key!

If anything AWD is no safer because I would drive more aggressively and take more chances.

I have driven my C63 in major downpours at 80 mph on the stock summer tires and it was totally fine. Yes, I was careful; but at no time did it slide or feel uncontrollable.

AWD for Seattle or the U.K. Is not a reason to get a C43!!

5ilver-5urfer

It really depends on your commute and your regions weather conditions. A lot of people will argue that a skilled driver with proper tires and RWD can navigate terrible driving conditions really well, but that's pretty subjective.

I used to live on the snow-belt in Ontario and the above formula just doesn't cut it.
With:
1) excessive snowfall
2) un-plowed and un-salted roads
3) long commute through a combination of country roads, city roads, and highways.
Even 4wd and winter tires sometimes just doesn't cut it. Sometimes you only manage to save yourself by the skin of your teeth.

However, if you are based in a major metropolitan core and are driving in traffic from light to light, then RWD even without proper tires isn't the end of the world.

Dthquazi

I did get stuck in my driveway in the Seattle snow a couple weeks ago. That was because I was too lazy to shovel snow. When people say they need awd for the snow I imagine it is snow pack all year round, no plowed streets and they are driving up hill both ways.....

5ilver-5urfer

https://www.currentresults.com/Weath...ll-by-city.php
Seattle = Avg. 5 inches on snowfall a year.

https://www.currentresults.com/Weath...al-average.php
Waterloo = Ave. 63 inches of snowfall a year.

Count your blessings that you don't have to do that in unplowed streets, up-hill both ways

Surge

Even an AWD C class isn't great for that level of snow. Ground clearance and inability to lock the diffs...

and OP and others were talking about rain! You certainly don't need AWD for rain. Lol.

coladin

Both are great cars, I preferred the previous C63 with the 6.2 , personally. Car had more character and the sound was in another league. I went with a C43 because it is a daily driver and I don't need it to wear more than one hat. I think your rationale is sound.

5ilver-5urfer

Agreed - I would say that performance from this vehicle in AWD format just inches by acceptable in those snowy conditions.