If you are looking to get a high-performance Mercedes C-Class you may be asking, should I get a C43 or should I get a C63? For those who do not know the difference between a C63 and a C43, the difference is in simple terms two cylinders. The C43 has a 3.0 Biturbo V6 and the C63 a 4.0 Biturbo V8. Yes, the C63 is faster than the C43 but not by a considerable amount. In fact, the C43 would beat it off the line because it has 4 wheel drive and the C63 does not. Is paying the thousands of dollars extra for a C63 worth it or are you better off keeping your money and buying a much cheaper, much more economical, and easier to maintain C43?
Ther C43 starts at just over $58,000 for the sedan. Yet the C63 starts at over $68,000 for the sedan. Is spending the extra $10,000 worth it?
Both cars are available in sedan, coupe, convertible, or wagon form. Both share the same interior, suspension, front axle, brakes, badges and criteria. Yet the C63 is a tad more hardcore having a more aggressive body kit and sharper suspension oh and of course it has a much deeper exhaust note with its 4.0 Biturbo V8. The C43 on the other hand has a bigger growl but is nowhere near as deep as the C63.
The C63 has always been the go-to performance variant for the C-class but is that still now the case? The C43 may be a rebadged C450 but don’t let the idea of an “entry-level AMG” fool you into thinking it’s for those who cannot afford its V8 sibling, because the C43 is a very competent car that impresses a lot of people. The gap between the two cars is getting closer and closer to the point that in the real world, is the extra power from the C63 really needed?
This review is set for the real world. Not for the drag races or the circuits but for everyday life. What is seriously better to live with? You may say of course it’s the C63 but try saying that again once you have had a think about it. The one with more is not always the best and for everyday life in the real world, it can actually be impractical. However, the one with less may just feel too normal and not special enough. The big question is if you buy the one with less will you be thinking to yourself, “damn I wish I got the car with more cylinders because it is so much more special.” Or vice versa even as the one with more cylinders you may be thinking “this is such a pain and it is so costly. I never even use half of the power if that. I wish I got the one with less.”
Why You Should Choose a C43 Over a C63
It is a famous saying. Less is more. Fewer cylinders mean less weight. Less weight means a better power to weight ratio which means in due course better driving dynamics. Because you have sacrificed two cylinders you are rewarded with AWD, better fuel economy and easier maintenance. The Biturbo 3.0 V6 may not be handcrafted by AMG but look at the positives. Because the engine is mass made and has been for many years, parts are widely available which means it is cheaper to fix.
The C43 pushes out 385hp and 428 lb-ft of torque. That may be 86hp less than a standard C63 but in terms of torque, it is only 51 lb-ft off what the standard C63 pushes out. It pushes to 60 in 4.7 seconds (0.7 seconds slower than a standard C63) and flat out will do the Mercedes standard of 155 mph. The C43 is a pretty fast car then and with prices starting at $58,500 it is somewhat reasonably priced.
The C43 also has a Mercedes 4matic system onboard which is essentially their version of Audi’s Quattro system. It makes a huge difference because you do not get any wheel spin whatsoever from standing acceleration. Why is this a big deal? Simply because wheel spin kills power and we want power when we are stepping off the line. This also means that the C43 has a substantial grip in all weather situations. Be it snow, sand, or mud the C43 will find grip. This actually makes it pretty dedent in the winter, a time of the year where previous RWD Mercedes cars have struggled immensely.
Furthermore, AWD means in the tight bends you will notice that it handles like a go-kart. It grips and grips meaning you can mash the throttle with confidence when in a bend. It also carries the high-performance front axle, brakes, and steering system (rack, etc) from the C63, and that equipped with AWD makes this thing better in the bends than its V8 RWD sibling. The C43 may not be as muscular but it does make that up by being the better sports car.
The C43 is better on gas doing 22 compared to the C63 which does about 19. Ok, it may not be heaps over but it is something. You can use the C43 then a lot more like a daily driver because it is so much more economical. Inside it is luxurious and bar the race seats, few leather tones, and carbon fiber, it is the exact same as the C63.
Why You Should Get a C63 Over a C43
Let’s face it. The C63 is very very fast. The C43 is quick but the C63 is a different animal. Yes off the line the C43 will take the lead and would win the race if the track was even slightly damp, but mid-range the C63 has more punch and will easily catch up with its V6 sibling. The C63 has serious grunt and muscle which is what keeps it so distanced and different from the C43. Standard, it pushes out 469hp and 479 lb-ft of torque. However, for $74,600 Mercedes will very kindly increase these figures to 503hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. What’s the result of that? A 0-60 time of 3.9 seconds and a flat out a top speed of 174 mph. This is called the S variant and some argue that it is a waste of money whilst others argue that it turns the car into a monster.
The C63 sounds deadly. Its 4.0 Biturbo V8 has a very deep exhaust note that has a lot of bass to it. It easily shakes the place up with its thunderous crackles and pops which is something the C43 simply cannot do. The V8 C63 carries more firepower in the way it just feels. At idle it sounds grizzly, unlike the C43 which sounds pretty normal. The C43 has a lot more of a higher-pitched exhaust note, sort of like an angry cat. The C63 has a lower pitch exhaust note and it sounds like a lion.
The C63 sounds orgasmic. The sound is enough for people to pay an extra $10,000 upwards from the C43 for one. Plus its engine is handmade by AMG unlike the mass-produced one in the C43. It may be harder to maintain but it feels os much more special, especially when you realize this same engine is in the top AMG GT models. The V8 is a deadly weapon and since this will be the last C63 (we hope not) with a V8 engine, wouldn’t you want to savor the moment.
The C63 also looks a lot more aggressive than its subtle C43 counterpart. It is wider, longer, and has so much more carbon fiber. It does have fake exhaust tips though which are a lot worse than the ones the C43 has. That will bug you because it does look tacky. It also drinks more petrol which will really upset your wallet.
Inside it is the same as the C43 until you start piling up the options.
For everyday use, it is a lot harder. Petrol bills will be higher, maintenance is more, parts are more expensive. But it will be more joyful especially if you are looking for something a bit more exciting in life. If you are a thrill seeker this is the one for you.
In Conclusion
If you want to have a fast car that does everything pretty well and is a decent, practical daily driver then the C43 is for you. The C43 fulfills the needs of speed, luxury, and comfort whilst being $10,000 cheaper. The C63 on the other hand is a lot more aggressive and has less grip. It is less sporty more muscular and the engine sounds deadly. If you want a weekend toy or something a bit more exciting in life then the C63 is for you.
Featured image credits via: whichcar.com.au