Mercedes-AMG C63s vs C43 - Diminishing Returns

The Mercedes C63s AMG is an icon, but it's never stood up to the performance of the BMW M cars. However, no we have a more true BMW M340i competitor in Mercedes new C43 AMG. The C63 is a riot and so much fun to drive, but if you want something more focused and tailored to a performance driver, I can't help but think the C43 is the better car for you. Let's explore.
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#AMG #C63s #C43

[@dwnshft]

Special thanks to my Patrons for their support of the channel! Which AMG would you take home?

[@thegreatafrican3367]

C63 and your pick?

[@dwnshft]

Just a KZbin User 2020 c63s vs like a 2013 c63 n/a 6.2 v8

[@thegreatafrican3367]

@@dwnshft unfortunately these two are the last of a dying breed 😔

[@dwnshft]

Just a KZbin User yeah I love these AMG v8s. It is a real shame

[@dwnshft]

I did just film a taycan turbo today and the electric power is cool but I put it up against a AMG gtr and the v8 is just intoxicating and there’s no competition for me

[@nizzy1057]

Have to disagree. Ive owned both cars and they really feel the same to be. Both were spec'd identical and looked identical. One was just faster and sounded better. If you were told the C43 was the C63 to a non Mercedes person, they would never know.

[@smashkh8314]

100%. Even c63 has lot more power than c43 but it feels the same. It’s only 1 second difference.

[@jinace6538]

​@@smashkh8314 in realistic driving conditions tge difference 0-60 is not even 1 second. Infact in wet roads the C43 will even be faster. Due to the 4matic. The c63 obviously sounds better and is unmatchable over longer distance. Off the line in anything other than the 'perfect' setting. The c43 is better. I have owned both.

[@dbagdi1998]

Couldn’t disagree more, the purpose of the C63 is the V8 soundtrack which the C43 can’t match. Otherwise the M4 is a better car in everyday so get that

[@Schaufelor]

@@dbagdi1998 And by the way. The C63 Coupe looks much wider and more powerful than the c43 that basically looks like the normal coupe. The looks together with the V8 creates a totally different character. Like a german muscle car.

[@dbagdi1998]

@@Schaufelor But most won’t notice that, the point of the C63 is the sound. If I wanted fast, i’ll get an M4

[@user-mf9bn1yt9d]

Personally I prefer C43 with 4 wheel drive. More comfortable in daily life.

[@dwnshft]

The c43 is excellent!

[@JJ-J]

Great review! I bought a C43 over here and in a country where the speedlimit is just 100 km/h this car gives one unbelievable pleasure.

[@alphae9712]

Do you still have it and if you do what do you think 4 months later ?

[@JJ-J]

@@alphae9712 Thanks for asking. Yes I still own the car (I bought in 2019). It’s a great car with several faces. You can drive normal and very relaxed because of the immens power. However, when you like to drive like a hooligan on a track day the car gives you even greater smiles.

[@shaneramirez7896]

My dream is the C63 Estate. But they don’t sell it in the U.S. I might move to Canada for a car lol.

[@eremyjay]

Are you in Straya or Canada ?

[@amberbamba2688]

Was thinking the whole time and you nailed it at the end. The c43 sounds like the drivers car... Really helped my decision making and its the first vid i clicked on. Thanks

[@dwnshft]

Glad I could help!

[@Which_Way]

The C43 coupe with the Sports Exhaust is 🔥

[@dwnshft]

💯

[@trihardcx6743]

You mean performance exhaust. The sports exhaust isn't that loud.

[@joeverduzcojr5678]

Still never heard a 6 cyl. Thats sounded remotely good or 🔥

[@peterdavies8568]

Cool - as a C43 owner, looking to go to C63 - this helps. The 43 makes a lot of noise BUT Dumbass here got the wife a Z4 M40i - and that's faster than mine. This should be put right!

[@mikehagmaier3949]

Definitely trade up (the car, not the wife😅). I had a 2019 c43 and just traded it in for a 2015 C63S and have never enjoyed driving more!

[@doctorofkickboxing]

Great review. Honest & to the point.

[@dwnshft]

Many thanks!

[@swishclub5660]

can’t seem to find that 4 door c43 model anywhere - anyone know what’s it called and year?

[@f1dog]

I’ve had 2 C43’s already and loved them, but I just switched to a C63 after an “incident” and it’s much more exciting to me. I also think you feel slow in a c43 when you actually are on the track with it. That’s the selling point at the AMG academy because those cars showed how much less power they have. But, C43s are great cars and if I didn’t know about it’s 500hp big brother, I’d still be very happy. Great review.

[@dwnshft]

Danke

[@Phar0hB0t]

You can easily tune the 43 to over 500 hp if you wanted

[@redarmy1778]

@@Phar0hB0t can the v6 take that power over a long time? the v6 block is open deck

[@abdalanijim7468]

I love my 2017 Amg c43 especially the Exhaust button I always leave it on while on Comfort mode sounds amazing and fast if it’s on sport + that’s a different ball game c43 ima stick with for a while

[@hellboy326]

@@Phar0hB0t how would you do that? I have a 2018 c43 stage 2 and I'm only getting 410 hp. I'm running e30 but I haven't dynoed on the e30 I did it on 93 but I'm looking to get some more hp but don't know what to do

[@christophercolumbus8944]

do you see any difference between this and the new SL 63 2023? seems like very similar cars

[@johnybravoooooo]

C43 is a great option in countries where taxes are really high on cars. In India the C43 costs a little over 100k USD while the C63 is around 210k USD.

[@trollbigshots6825]

In USA c63s only costs bout 80k

[@NotAlone.43]

@@trollbigshots6825 and you get get a used one for 45k-50k

[@rudyrubio2475]

Your logo caught my eye immediately. Great your showing our beautiful city! Great video 👌

[@dwnshft]

414

[@JVR2019]

The 2021 C43 Coupé is my current daily driver. Does anybody else have a panoramic-roof rattle on rough roads?

[@SkyFortressDamocles]

I own one too, but no roof rattle. Awesome little car

[@camsak8713]

Also C43 is all wheel drive....so if you live with snow.......

[@billseota8967]

The Bentley is testimony to the fact that you can have luxury and performance, but it's gonna cost ya! And it's a lot heavier too!

[@pfeamg9658]

Nice review and although I agree with most of what you experienced I found your final thoughts interesting. I felt sort of the opposite. For a daily driver, one with awd, more comfortable in “comfort” and yet still a blast to drive when switched to “sport +” the c43 is the car I would take home (and I did as that is what I bought lol) But if i were to track my car often I would have gone with the c63. I also don’t see that much difference in the weight when you compare sedan to sedan and coupe to coupe versions of each model. For example: 3825= sedan c43 3979=Coupe c43 3874=C63 sedan 4109=c63 coupe 3900=c63s sedan 4134=c63 s coupe Why the sedans are less the coupes is still unknown to me, but they are none the less haha. The versions you tried were indeed lighter but the real reason it feels so buttoned down and focused imo is the awd system of the c43. Cheers!

[@dwnshft]

You make some good points! Maybe I need to revisit this comparo. Anything to spend more time in an AMG 😈

[@xxKilLSnIPexx]

You’re absolutely right, the C43 is an incredibly intelligent car in terms of how its personality can change in comfort mode versus when turned into sport+. For an everyday driving experience the C43 is definetely much more comfortable ride and is able to switch into a different beast in sport+

[@CK-ct6eo]

As the owner of a c43, I heartily agree with you. Living in New England with job I have AWD is a must. I bought the car almost a year ago and it's been a fun pleasurable drive everyday.

[@04tsxpower]

Nice to see your a follower

[@rbmedd]

I shopped both and chose a new '23 C43 coupe and here's why (for me): 4.1 seconds to sixty is fine for 99% of my driving, I appreciate the AWD traction, and the lower initial cost and lower insurance bite is significant. And, getting the '23 model of the C43 coupe meant getting the last year of the V6 Biturbo (not 4 cylinder hybrid). For me, the '43 is the best overall driver!

[@lindigj]

I think c43 with a tune really strikes the perfect balance and gets it right around c63's stock speeds, while maintaining the lighter more nimble feel. Sure, you could do the same thing to the c63, but you'd still just have more power, it would cost considerably more to drop c63 weight and tune the suspension to get anywhere near the precision of the c43 than it does to add some power to the c43. And at the end of the day, c43 makes for a better city driving car, anyways. Not at all suggesting that it's the better car, but I'm seriously glad they gave us this option.

[@sharoncollis2135]

Agree. My face-lift 43 had a stage 1 map. Now pushing out about 460bhp. Had a C63 last year. The map and awd makes ( in my opinion) the 43 the better car.

[@Rabbit.Hole.Racing.]

great content and perspective

[@dwnshft]

🙏💜

[@josephfrenchmusic]

Drove both back to back and the c63 was better in transmission response and steering response and control. Bought the c63. The v6 in the c43 was surprisingly good however but less musical. The transmission was horrible in manual mode however on the c43 and way too soft suspension but somehow more crash over bumps( bad dampening).

[@TheRealBobMarley]

Of all reviews, this was PERFECT. Not sure if you thought that out for a long time, but you nailed that to the absolute dial on all elements. I just sold my 2020 Coupe c43 for a 2023 c63s v8 and all three pros you mentioned were spot on. First gear on c43 was a lot worse as well.

[@NotAlone.43]

I want the 63 as my daily but I worried about the snow here in PA

[@DonsShed]

I like them both..... but NOTHING beats that V8 AMG sound!!!

[@KINGKING10109]

True but I think you’ll enjoy the v6 43 more for daily driving. If you ever see c63 drivers, they all sit so nervously lol

[@nib95]

@@KINGKING10109 True. I raced a Tesla Model 3 performance in my C43 the other day around some empty country roads, and to my surprise I kept up the entire way and never once did I feel the Model 3 running away from me. At mid to higher speeds, there's evidently very little in it. Maybe the Tesla are faster in the 0-60 than they are already in the high speed range, who knows. There were also certain high speed corners I was able to take in the C43 that I know my previous Jaguar XFS and M3 just wouldn't have been able to handle without the rear kicking out. In that sense the AWD definitely inspired more confidence in me.

[@sahilshergill7278]

@@KINGKING10109 depends on set up as well. I’ve got a 2018 C63s sedan and it’s tuned to about 700ish hp here in Toronto. Our winters are very bad so I just keep it in comfort all the time. It’s not so bad but I’ve tested the c43 at the time when I was going for the 63 and the overall feel and sound of the 63 was better to me. Soon I’ll trade it in for the E63s or an r8. But in no way is a 43 a bad car it’s very fast and off the line it’s crazy I could never beat it off the line only on the highway

[@mackximus1]

love the cars, but I really love these shots of our beautiful city, MKE

[@x7ehsmoke]

I kind of prefer the sound of the v6 over the v8. Am i the only one ?

[@dwnshft]

Hahaha you might be, but with that being said I think I know what you mean. The v8 is a lower bellow but that v6 rings out and revs out pretty high and then the trans snaps off shifts with a nice satisfying crack. Excellent sounds either way!

[@joeynono3964]

Yes 🤦‍♂️

[@MrPabsify]

Me too

[@honguenloh4612]

Beautiful car plus driver!:)

[@dantesantoyo3460]

Interesting how when seeing the C43 Compared to anything it’s always the 4 door and not the coupe

[@samg8388]

I went with the C43 Coupe 2019 facelift and I will never regret for me it is the real AMG and the C63 is just for the track

[@shubhammaini9897]

Did you test drive m340i before getting it?

[@mikehagmaier3949]

Have you test driven a c63? I guarantee if you do that you’ll make the switch. I couldn’t stop thinking about the c63s that I test drove and traded my c43 in for it the next day. Pure addiction.

[@Dreamsindriveways818]

I wish my C63 AMG came in an AWD variant

[@uberhannes863]

Its called E63

[@luisjano7273]

U in MKE bro..... I am such an AMG enthusiast make my dream come true 😭

[@dwnshft]

Luisjano love AMG 💜 yeah I’m in mke

[@luisjano7273]

What’s your IG?

[@dwnshft]

Luisjano @downshiftmke

[@Kimbo__86]

C63 as a daily driver over the C43? Good god man, are you crazy !! MPG is literally single digits 😂

[@dwnshft]

Hahaha if you own an AMG you either don’t care or can afford the horrific mpg 😂 tbh the point I’m trying to convey (which I may have done poorly) is that the c43 feels much more agile and buttoned down. It feels a lot lighter and more focused compared to the c63. In any case thanks for watching and commenting sorry if I explained my position poorly haha

[@joeynono3964]

Downshift I fill up every other day..... it is what it is 😭

[@BN99239]

I don't understand why the c43 would be better for learning how to be a better driver. It's AWD. Wouldn't you learn more by driving the rwd c63?

[@dwnshft]

btp589 in theory yes but that’s only one aspect. The c43 you can focus more on chassis control, balance, etc. it’s more forgiving

[@jamesshotbolt1005]

I totally agree. I was rather surprised with that comment. Far more to be gained by taking a RWD car to the track and much more fun to be had too.

[@dwnshft]

James Shotbolt for learning track driving the 4matic system will be more forgiving invade you get it wrong. It’s also quite a bit sharper which is what I personally look for in a car that I want to take to the limit

[@thegreatafrican3367]

Maybe next time compare the old N/A V8 vs the turbocharged newer ones

[@dwnshft]

Just a KZbin User THATS LITERALLY ON MY LIST NEXT HAHAHA I like the way you think mate 😂😁👌

[@itguru2037]

Where is this filmed?

[@dwnshft]

mercedes elmbrook in WI

[@Waldo905]

a 2019/2020 c43 coupe in 2022 is my plan 😉

[@dwnshft]

That’s going to be super fun 😎 try to get a CPO would be my recommendation

[@CTLatteberry]

2019 c63 mine for 2022

[@CTLatteberry]

just invest in bitcoin. free amg and a house per market cycle

[@nazu5998]

U get it ?

[@iBunnyLover]

@@nazu5998 dude working in mcdonald’s now after the big dump

[@ferdinandhe5239]

buy a 2018 or 2019 c43 would be an good option for the the price around $40000, or around $60000 for 2018 c63s. But for the new one neither would be an good choice, especially at new c63s price range, corvette z51 would be an much better choice, with much faster 0-60

[@lindigj]

Tbh I would never consider either car if you're specifically comparing coupes. The only real reason to be looking at Mercedes, BMW, Audi, etc is if you are after a sedan. There are so many better 2 door sports cars.

[@ferdinandhe5239]

@@lindigj I didn’t compare coupe ok?

[@ahasidic7172]

1 year later used 2019-2020 c43 amgs low miles are 50 racks

[@mattlittlej]

The C63 is more of a muscle car than sports car

[@cb9137]

Can these cars handle a hard acceleration

[@TheApana]

I owned a C43 and still own a 6.2L V8 C63.

[@dwnshft]

😍

[@TupacalipseT96]

What are your thoughts? I am decided now between a 2015 C63 6.2L V8 vs 2018 C43 AMG ... same miles, same price point, same warranty. The C63 is a generation behind with body/interior compared to the C43. Which would you choose?

[@TheApana]

@@TupacalipseT96 I got the C43 and 3 months later was bored of it and had to get the C63. Owned both for a while until I got rid of the C43. I always preferred the C63. If you get a 2012+ the interior isn't that bad, still not as nice as the w205 but the 6.2L V8 is far more enjoyable than the newer interior.

[@TupacalipseT96]

@@TheApana Just seeing this now but I did indeed go with the 2015 c63 6.2L -- appreciate the insight. Been loving it.

[@liangjiezhao296]

Let me tell you the difference, check your 💰💰💰, seriously don’t tell me a guy buys a Mazda cuz he doesn’t like a Mercedes 😂 😂 😂

[@alenibricic9899]

c63s 510 hp and 700 Nm

[@enovah2151]

shot on iphone 4

[@freddyparker2410]

Not the c43 my dad owns LOL

[@itguru2037]

This or M340i

[@dwnshft]

AMG

[@Alps6408]

Sorry, but your description is shocking. To say the C63 never stood up to the performance from M cars is laughable. Stock for stock the C63 crushes the M cars in a straight line. Around a track, it can go either way depending on what racetrack you are at. The best C63 is the 204 507 edition. Having owned a 2018 C63S and currently own a 204 507 edition, I can tell you that the 507 is a more enjoyable car.

[@dwnshft]

Detach yourself from the notion of better or worse performance. What I was trying to illustrate in this video was the difference in feeling. The AMG is a sledgehammer and the m3 is a butterfly knife. Accomplish the same goal but in wildly different ways

[@Eskareon]

@@dwnshft that's a completely subjective measurement you simply copy-pasted from every other car reviewer list of generic cliches. Here's a fixed version for you: "I prefer the feel of the BMW." That's all you needed to say. No one needs to detach themselves from anything, though perhaps it is you who have detached from objectivity - isn't snark fun?

[@trihardcx6743]

@@Eskareon I think it makes perfect sense. An S650 Maybach is quicker than an M2 Competition, but you wouldn't call the Maybach sporty, would you? It's an extreme comparison, but the point is that performance is far from the only thing that makes a car sporty.

[@ScienceBitch123]

What country does this guy think he's in? B roads? Watching too many British car reviewers lol 🤣

[@ahasidic7172]

S5 engine and exhaust sound way better, better ride quality

[@Phar0hB0t]

I believe the 43 and the 63 actually shares the same transmission and suspension, from AMG.

[@dwnshft]

Phar0hB0t you’re correct, but even still somehow they feel worlds apart

[@Phar0hB0t]

@@dwnshft Agreed! You should get your hands on a tuned 43, those engines can push up to 525 hp with just an ecu tune, though those V8s are wild beats of their own...

[@Phar0hB0t]

@@dcarf You're right

[@Phar0hB0t]

@@dcarf Oh yeah, I have a tuned 43 myself pushing about ~20-22psi boost (around 520 bhp) and when you launch control it correctly, the shifts are ridiculously fast... I usually stay in auto since the first couple gears are too torquey to shift at the right time with the disadvantage you stated, it'll push faster than you shift lol

[@Phar0hB0t]

​@@dcarf Yeah it's a burble tune with a Jb4 (map2) stacked on top of it lol. Haven't had the chance to get in one of those supercars just yet though, I can't begin to imagine what it's like to drive those with the automotive engineering put into those machines...

[@lclnbm]

C63 is a German muscle car. Change my mind.

[@dwnshft]

You won’t find any arguments here

[@lclnbm]

@@dwnshft good

[@Neshx1]

C43 is better in shitty countries who tax u based on your engine displacement

[@pritumdhillon2371]

C63s all day everyday

[@shawnthegreat4281]

If you are a muscle car guy but want a nice interior and you can afford it you are a Mercedes 63 guy if you are a driver guy and like tech/customization in your car you are a BMW guy all the other lower specs in both classes just boils down to money you have to spend 😂😂

[@Caesar__99]

This is actually really helpful for someone who drives a Challenger scat pack, loves the power, but wants a nicer interior lol

[@MrTroytroy]

“They’re right” not wrong. A lard arse C63 is not better than an M4 around a track....

[@dm-qe9xy]

C63 or get an e class

[@user-rb9cw1dp7f]

Worst review ever...learn how to compare cars guy!

[@bshadrick]

If anything is a four door, it’s not sporty.

[@fabbas01]

Just buy a BRZ... No one needs this much power.... C43 feels too pedestrian in comparison to the C63.

[@bslothed3211]

You have to be kidding me, right? A BRZ, I would feel like vomiting if I drove a slow ass 7 second 0-100km/h car with it's cheap crap interior aimed for youngsters.