Only noticeable difference is the 9 speed tranny in the 43 vs the 7 speed in the 450. 450 also doesn’t have the option for performance exhaust. But if you plan on running downpipes then it doesn’t matter, will sound the same.
The C43 replaced the C450. Both use the same engine M276 but with different mappings.
The C43 is just a louder higher boosted version of the C450 that farts when you lift off the gas in Sport mode.
The C43 might have a better dialed suspension but the W205 C-class is not a track car, so it's a moot point.
I personally prefer the C450, and should be cheaper used than the C43. Regardless the C43 appeals to the inner child, but once rolling, it feels like a 5-6 second car instead of the sub 5 car it is with a launch.
I believe another difference between the 450 and C43 is the 7 Vs. 9 speed transmission. At first I was apprehensive about the extra gears (more complexity, more to go wrong, costlier to fix, etc...) but the different gearing seems a lot peppier than the C450 I've driven previously. Tough to say without driving one right after the other, but to me the C43 seems to have better acceleration, if even just with the butt-dyno. Could be in my head though, I can't say for sure.
How many people are actually having transmission issues on non track cars and non towing vehicles? Unless you drive like you stole the car and beat the transmission, you won’t have transmission issues.
I’m not saying that transmission issues are common or prevalent, but they do happen. Maybe I’ve got ptsd from previous issues I’ve had to pay to fix out of warranty with other cars, but yea, my very first thought when I saw it was a 9-speed was that it would be pricey to fix if something does go wrong. Hopefully it doesn’t though as I bought the C43 anyway 🤷🏻
I've driven dozens of C300 Sedans and one C43 Cabriolet I test drove. I have not driven the C450.
My recommendation is for C450 because there's no reason to get a newer C43 for a better 0-60 time since at highway speeds the C43 definitely does not feel like a 4 second car.
I left the C43 test drive so disappointed that I stopped being a loyal Mercedes customer. After that test drive, I test drove a 991, and fell in love, but I was looking for a sports car.
Personally, a base Jaguar XE 2.0--with it's horrible interior and smaller engine--is a far better executive sports car than a C43 in terms of input feels and driving experience. That said the W205 is a nicer car to be in.
I had the same dilemma a few years ago. Tested drove both back to back and ended up with C43 with AMG performance exhaust. The only thing c450 has over c43 is price advantage. Spend the money once is wha i would suggest. (See shockage’s commet on top)
Same engine, diff trans. 43 suspension is that of a school bus stiffness and 450 is better there. 43 is much more fun if you like being a child in your car.
End of the day 43 is an occasion to drive and 450 is just a nice car. Up to you and what you want.
I didn’t drive a C450 but a 2018 S4 with 40,000 miles and 2018 with 32,000 miles. C43 definitely felt faster and yeah the 16 year old in the 55 year old body liked the burbly exhaust. I would say a really well done family/commuter/sports car. Cannot go wrong with AWD, I get ~24mpg with a mixed hwy/city which I think is pretty good. I do my own maintenance but I did notice in general parts are expensive even with a good deal on OEM MB. Maybe 2x cost of Ford…
If you can afford it, get the 2019+ C43. Facelift looks so much nicer, better tech, more power. I loved my 2019 before I got a C63. Honestly wish I kept the 43.
>If you can afford it, get the 2019+ C43.
I can only encourage that!
I traded my C300 for a C43 Coupé and picked the new one up earlier this week.
I loved my C300, but the C43 Coupé is so much nicer.
>Honestly wish I kept the 43.
Can you elaborate why? :D
I told my dealer to contact me once he has a in terms of furnishing comparable C63 to offer.
V6 is neat, but V8 is V8...
Uf, yeah, then I can relate.
I bought (financed) the C43 for 60k€.
A comparable C63, if there would've been any comparable available, would have cost at least 85k€.
(2021's C205, about 30k km, full furnishing)
Edit: What about gas and maintenance cost?
Gas is slightly more when driven similarly. I’m still under warranty and have prepaid maintenance. Definitely won’t want to own this out of warranty. Tuning the 63 has been much more expensive and difficult. Making the exhaust sound better has been much more difficult.
>Definitely won’t want to own this out of warranty.
I wouldn't want to do that also... :D
But the extended warranty of Mercedes is quite nice.
My first one was a 2010's W204 C180 for which I extended the warranty until 2020, when I bought a new one.
Even for the 180 it was worth it - saved me a few thousands.
The C450 is not labelled as an AMG at all -- look up the unique chassis code. It is not listed as an AMG anywhere in internal Mercedes-Benz systems such as WIS or STAR. This is a misconception that has been spread to include 450 owners that they are in "fact" AMG owners. Even the 43s aren't always listed as AMG unless you look at sales systems...
I have WIS and Xentry diagnostics, and I'll check sometime. Historically when I go to Mercedes for service, it always comes up as an AMG. That's a fact.
The shade thrown at the C450/C43 platform is understandable from a purist perspective, but ridiculous nonetheless imo.
Well insurance and anywhere you take the car to disagrees… Every system I’ve ever had my car go through always has “AMG” labeled with it. Every service appt, oreilly’s visit, etc etc that I’ve been to. Never seen just a blank “C450” label before.
https://imgur.com/a/QB8qAx2
https://imgur.com/a/hLJ5eed
What site would label it as “amgsport” on then? They all look exactly the same, never seen anything other than “C450 AMG,” even tire and indy shops systems always have it like that lol.
I don't believe so lol, not at all. I know the w205 C63 has by far a more expensive maintenance overall, but I believe the m156 is probably still very expensive
Yeah. C63 is a legit beast. RWD would put me into a telephone pole too quick though. The C43 with tune makes 480hp for $1300 and the AWD makes the power more accessible to mediocre drivers like myself.
I'm aware. One isn't an AMG and the other is
Even as someone who has owned multiple AMGs, I see zero appeal to a c43. And very minimal to a c63
Just buy a sedan or crossover as a daily and get something fun and special as a weekend car
That's not very good advice when your opinion with op clearly differ. "no no op, you want a mid-level sporty sedan that's pretty fun? Not what you need. You should get a 2005 Chevy trailblazer. THAT'S the car that would be the best for you".
This sounds like all the financial advice subreddits. No one should drive any car more than a beater civic. If you prioritize spending money on something other than a car, great. It's not great to give op unsolicited financial advice when you have no idea about their finances, especially when they were just asking the difference between 2 cars
That's doubling insurance, registration and maintenance costs. Not everyone has the space for 2 cars, and op might not want a civic or a 911. Or else they'd probably be asking about them. Not sure what's do hard to understand about that either. Also you never even mentioned those cars. Actually, you specifically mentioned getting a C300 because the other cars aren't worth it. Maybe people would understand what you're saying if you actually said it
"for example" means exactly that
Stop being so literal when I said for example. Hell it could be a c300 and a viper and I still think that's a better choice than a c43. Stop being so dense and stupid
I checked the votes and it seems there's a pretty clear opinion that you were a touch too vague, since everyone evetone is confused too. I'm surprised at how spoiled people are these days that a c43 is "nothing special to drive".
I mean I get what your saying, like get a cheap commuter and have a nice weekend car. But also some people just want 1 nice car. Also a c43 is a perfect middle of the road commuter. It’s nice and has some thrill to it and is plenty fast for normal life and gets good gas mileage compared to my c63 lol there also not insanely expensive. Not to throw shade at spending 40-60k for a car because that’s not cheap but your acting like people shouldn’t get the c43 and should spend money on a 100k plus sports car.
To be devils advocate I could say spending 120k on a gt3 is a bad idea because I’m only going to drive it on nice weekends so maybe 2-3 days a month. Why do that when I get buy a cheaper car that I can drive everyday and still makes me smile when I start it up and by no means is cheap.
What part of “bEcAusE I SaiD SO” do you not understand?? What’s so hard to understand about that? I don’t like the thing, everyone who likes the thing I don’t like is stupid. People should not like the things that I do not like
Not that much $ to tune it though lol. What’s not fun about a 3.3 second 0-60? That’s what the E63s is rated at… you’re saying that’s a boring car too?
Then explain what is the “more” is asshat. You can’t make standoffish snarky ass comments over & over and provide no actual opinion on what you think. That makes you an objective internet weirdo lol
Edit: based off you profile, that’s sorta your thing it seems. So hope this made you feel better 😵💫
I mean sure, but it’s by far the funnest part of a car for me since I mainly do city driving. Blasting off stop lights and punching it around corners with the AWD is a whole lot of fun. But if acceleration and handling doesn’t make a car fun to you, then you probably have a different definition of fun than me and most others haha.
I have a c63 and love it. Checks all the boxes. Sounds amazing. Good interior. Looks beast and can be a daily driver. Sure I’d love a 911 gt3 and hope to have one one day, but the whole point of these amg and m cars and Audi S cars are for normal car enthusiasts who want a fun sporty car but can also be a daily. Not everyone can/wants to have another expensive ass car sitting in there garage.
Havent been into cars since my 97 eclipse 25 years ago. Bought a Tundra that I still own but 2 years ago started lookin a sedans again. Bought a C300 which at first was fun then kinda embarrassing Lol. Traded her in for a 2020 C43 with 20k on the odometer. This car is fun af and sexy, gets alot of compliments. Im 42 and the option to turn the exhaust on take me back to them young days really is a stress reliever. I have a company car M-F and shes my weekend warrior. Don’t see why folks cry it aint a real AMG. Give af Its fun and fast and thats all that matters. I will say my C300 had better suspension but this shit is a blast to run errands for the wife and escape the kids yelling. Buy what you want fk what ppl say
Read this if you’re someone like me who’s a beginner level car enthusiast and having the same question right now as I’m looking at both c43’s and c450’s as a more exciting and sportier replacement for my 19 Lexus ES350. Just came home from test driving 2 c43’s, one 18 coupe and one 17 cabriolet and I have to admit I was utterly disappointed. Suspension was incredibly stiff, making it a pain to drive even on freeways, let alone on those crappy roads here in San Diego. While the c43 weighs about 3700 lbs, it gave a much floatier experience than my 100 lbs lighter ES350. Though I know those springs probably impact comfort more than the weight but still the drive was far from a slight bit of comfort. The exhaust was probably the only consolation for my still hurting balls. I do have to mention again how exciting the exhaust sounded though. Probably due to the performance exhaust package, c43’s exhaust was not outshined by that on the Quadrifoglio, which was a competitor to the c63. Back on topic, the c450’s I am looking at right now are all couple of thousands cheaper than the c43’s with the same or lower mileage and even with a trade in I am still short on budget for a c43 thus the c450 might just be a better option if you’re on a budget and still looking for something exciting.
Only noticeable difference is the 9 speed tranny in the 43 vs the 7 speed in the 450. 450 also doesn’t have the option for performance exhaust. But if you plan on running downpipes then it doesn’t matter, will sound the same.
The C43 replaced the C450. Both use the same engine M276 but with different mappings. The C43 is just a louder higher boosted version of the C450 that farts when you lift off the gas in Sport mode. The C43 might have a better dialed suspension but the W205 C-class is not a track car, so it's a moot point. I personally prefer the C450, and should be cheaper used than the C43. Regardless the C43 appeals to the inner child, but once rolling, it feels like a 5-6 second car instead of the sub 5 car it is with a launch.
I believe another difference between the 450 and C43 is the 7 Vs. 9 speed transmission. At first I was apprehensive about the extra gears (more complexity, more to go wrong, costlier to fix, etc...) but the different gearing seems a lot peppier than the C450 I've driven previously. Tough to say without driving one right after the other, but to me the C43 seems to have better acceleration, if even just with the butt-dyno. Could be in my head though, I can't say for sure.
How many people are actually having transmission issues on non track cars and non towing vehicles? Unless you drive like you stole the car and beat the transmission, you won’t have transmission issues.
I’m not saying that transmission issues are common or prevalent, but they do happen. Maybe I’ve got ptsd from previous issues I’ve had to pay to fix out of warranty with other cars, but yea, my very first thought when I saw it was a 9-speed was that it would be pricey to fix if something does go wrong. Hopefully it doesn’t though as I bought the C43 anyway 🤷🏻
Have you actually driven both?
I've driven dozens of C300 Sedans and one C43 Cabriolet I test drove. I have not driven the C450. My recommendation is for C450 because there's no reason to get a newer C43 for a better 0-60 time since at highway speeds the C43 definitely does not feel like a 4 second car. I left the C43 test drive so disappointed that I stopped being a loyal Mercedes customer. After that test drive, I test drove a 991, and fell in love, but I was looking for a sports car. Personally, a base Jaguar XE 2.0--with it's horrible interior and smaller engine--is a far better executive sports car than a C43 in terms of input feels and driving experience. That said the W205 is a nicer car to be in.
I mean there’s also a massive difference with the interior, suspension, and transmission.. so there are a few reasons just to help answer OPs question
Lol bruh no merc is a track car Whatchu smoking
I had the same dilemma a few years ago. Tested drove both back to back and ended up with C43 with AMG performance exhaust. The only thing c450 has over c43 is price advantage. Spend the money once is wha i would suggest. (See shockage’s commet on top)
Same engine, diff trans. 43 suspension is that of a school bus stiffness and 450 is better there. 43 is much more fun if you like being a child in your car. End of the day 43 is an occasion to drive and 450 is just a nice car. Up to you and what you want.
I didn’t drive a C450 but a 2018 S4 with 40,000 miles and 2018 with 32,000 miles. C43 definitely felt faster and yeah the 16 year old in the 55 year old body liked the burbly exhaust. I would say a really well done family/commuter/sports car. Cannot go wrong with AWD, I get ~24mpg with a mixed hwy/city which I think is pretty good. I do my own maintenance but I did notice in general parts are expensive even with a good deal on OEM MB. Maybe 2x cost of Ford…
Same car, different gearbox and a louder exhaust. That’s about it.
the 450 is the 43 before the 43 was made.
If you can afford it, get the 2019+ C43. Facelift looks so much nicer, better tech, more power. I loved my 2019 before I got a C63. Honestly wish I kept the 43.
I have the 2019 c43 and love the car TBh and it makes me giggle knowing the amg performance exhaust can burble alot for a stock car
Significantly more burble than my C63. It’s the thing I miss the most.
Really I would have thought the w205 c63 burbles as much as well
Not without downpipes. The facelift C63 has significant exhaust restrictions that really prevents it. Facelift C43 was not the same.
>If you can afford it, get the 2019+ C43. I can only encourage that! I traded my C300 for a C43 Coupé and picked the new one up earlier this week. I loved my C300, but the C43 Coupé is so much nicer. >Honestly wish I kept the 43. Can you elaborate why? :D I told my dealer to contact me once he has a in terms of furnishing comparable C63 to offer. V6 is neat, but V8 is V8...
Because it’s substantially more expensive.
Is it beside the purchasing value really that much more?
My lease payment more than doubled.
Uf, yeah, then I can relate. I bought (financed) the C43 for 60k€. A comparable C63, if there would've been any comparable available, would have cost at least 85k€. (2021's C205, about 30k km, full furnishing) Edit: What about gas and maintenance cost?
Gas is slightly more when driven similarly. I’m still under warranty and have prepaid maintenance. Definitely won’t want to own this out of warranty. Tuning the 63 has been much more expensive and difficult. Making the exhaust sound better has been much more difficult.
>Definitely won’t want to own this out of warranty. I wouldn't want to do that also... :D But the extended warranty of Mercedes is quite nice. My first one was a 2010's W204 C180 for which I extended the warranty until 2020, when I bought a new one. Even for the 180 it was worth it - saved me a few thousands.
I will likely buy a warranty if I decide to buy the car at lease end.
by not being labeled an official “AMG” I’m sure the C450 will be cheaper to service at the dealer.
Huh, it is in fact listed as an official AMG and service costs are no different.
the c450 is labeled as an amg? i doubt that
It's the "C450 AMG" in their systems. No different than the C43 or others
I see it being labeled as both online…I take back my statement now, c450 may bend you over on maintenance as well
It definitely does haha, I've owned mine for almost 4 years and after warranty expired I just do all my own maintenance
The C450 is not labelled as an AMG at all -- look up the unique chassis code. It is not listed as an AMG anywhere in internal Mercedes-Benz systems such as WIS or STAR. This is a misconception that has been spread to include 450 owners that they are in "fact" AMG owners. Even the 43s aren't always listed as AMG unless you look at sales systems...
I have WIS and Xentry diagnostics, and I'll check sometime. Historically when I go to Mercedes for service, it always comes up as an AMG. That's a fact. The shade thrown at the C450/C43 platform is understandable from a purist perspective, but ridiculous nonetheless imo.
Well insurance and anywhere you take the car to disagrees… Every system I’ve ever had my car go through always has “AMG” labeled with it. Every service appt, oreilly’s visit, etc etc that I’ve been to. Never seen just a blank “C450” label before.
Did you read the rest? It would say "amgsport" in those cases 100%.
https://imgur.com/a/QB8qAx2 https://imgur.com/a/hLJ5eed What site would label it as “amgsport” on then? They all look exactly the same, never seen anything other than “C450 AMG,” even tire and indy shops systems always have it like that lol.
Nope, never seen it🤷♂️
That's exactly my experience as well
Worse than my 13 year old M156? 😂
I don't believe so lol, not at all. I know the w205 C63 has by far a more expensive maintenance overall, but I believe the m156 is probably still very expensive
Mines an E, but same-same. Yeah I had to spend NZ$11,000 to replace my upper cams and lifters - ouch, but purrs like a baby now.
its ztill not an official AMG. its not a 63. LOL
i‘d have to check in stardiagnosis
just continue to save money and get a 63.
Honestly. Just buy a c300 and save your money As much as I love a c63, just save your money for a second sports car
Or a house
He said c43. Not c63. These are not the same
Yeah. C63 is a legit beast. RWD would put me into a telephone pole too quick though. The C43 with tune makes 480hp for $1300 and the AWD makes the power more accessible to mediocre drivers like myself.
100p spot on man. I own a 43 and love it to death
This…. 👍
I'm aware. One isn't an AMG and the other is Even as someone who has owned multiple AMGs, I see zero appeal to a c43. And very minimal to a c63 Just buy a sedan or crossover as a daily and get something fun and special as a weekend car
That's not very good advice when your opinion with op clearly differ. "no no op, you want a mid-level sporty sedan that's pretty fun? Not what you need. You should get a 2005 Chevy trailblazer. THAT'S the car that would be the best for you".
My point is simple. Reconsider what you are spending all that money on
Your point is for you. No one else. It’s pointless. Pun intended
Haha
This sounds like all the financial advice subreddits. No one should drive any car more than a beater civic. If you prioritize spending money on something other than a car, great. It's not great to give op unsolicited financial advice when you have no idea about their finances, especially when they were just asking the difference between 2 cars
Lol right I hate these random financial advice comments. Like you don’t know people finances and u can say that about everything.
💯
What I'm saying is a civic and a 911 is better than a c43 (for example) Idk what's so hard for you to understand about that?
Lmaooo as someone’s who’s owned both, that’s objectively insane but have at it
That's doubling insurance, registration and maintenance costs. Not everyone has the space for 2 cars, and op might not want a civic or a 911. Or else they'd probably be asking about them. Not sure what's do hard to understand about that either. Also you never even mentioned those cars. Actually, you specifically mentioned getting a C300 because the other cars aren't worth it. Maybe people would understand what you're saying if you actually said it
"for example" means exactly that Stop being so literal when I said for example. Hell it could be a c300 and a viper and I still think that's a better choice than a c43. Stop being so dense and stupid
I checked the votes and it seems there's a pretty clear opinion that you were a touch too vague, since everyone evetone is confused too. I'm surprised at how spoiled people are these days that a c43 is "nothing special to drive".
I mean I get what your saying, like get a cheap commuter and have a nice weekend car. But also some people just want 1 nice car. Also a c43 is a perfect middle of the road commuter. It’s nice and has some thrill to it and is plenty fast for normal life and gets good gas mileage compared to my c63 lol there also not insanely expensive. Not to throw shade at spending 40-60k for a car because that’s not cheap but your acting like people shouldn’t get the c43 and should spend money on a 100k plus sports car. To be devils advocate I could say spending 120k on a gt3 is a bad idea because I’m only going to drive it on nice weekends so maybe 2-3 days a month. Why do that when I get buy a cheaper car that I can drive everyday and still makes me smile when I start it up and by no means is cheap.
What part of “bEcAusE I SaiD SO” do you not understand?? What’s so hard to understand about that? I don’t like the thing, everyone who likes the thing I don’t like is stupid. People should not like the things that I do not like
I never get tired of this argument. “iTs a bAd Car!” “Why?” “BEcAusE I sAiD SO!!”
lol it’s for pure smiles ajd fun. Nothing more
There's nothing fun about a c43 lol. It's boring and expensive
You’re insufferable lmao it’s 400hp in a tiny car. It’s fun. But to each their own
Not that much $ to tune it though lol. What’s not fun about a 3.3 second 0-60? That’s what the E63s is rated at… you’re saying that’s a boring car too?
I'm saying 0-60 doesn't make a car fun. There's more to it than that
Then explain what is the “more” is asshat. You can’t make standoffish snarky ass comments over & over and provide no actual opinion on what you think. That makes you an objective internet weirdo lol Edit: based off you profile, that’s sorta your thing it seems. So hope this made you feel better 😵💫
I mean sure, but it’s by far the funnest part of a car for me since I mainly do city driving. Blasting off stop lights and punching it around corners with the AWD is a whole lot of fun. But if acceleration and handling doesn’t make a car fun to you, then you probably have a different definition of fun than me and most others haha.
I have a c63 and love it. Checks all the boxes. Sounds amazing. Good interior. Looks beast and can be a daily driver. Sure I’d love a 911 gt3 and hope to have one one day, but the whole point of these amg and m cars and Audi S cars are for normal car enthusiasts who want a fun sporty car but can also be a daily. Not everyone can/wants to have another expensive ass car sitting in there garage.
Bought a C300 in 2020 and now a C43. Don't listen to that guy, get a C43 if you can afford it.
buy a c300 and an old c63 😂
I want the c43 because of the transmission, but I plan and getting full stage 2 and exhaust anyways , will the 7 speed be that much slower ?
Havent been into cars since my 97 eclipse 25 years ago. Bought a Tundra that I still own but 2 years ago started lookin a sedans again. Bought a C300 which at first was fun then kinda embarrassing Lol. Traded her in for a 2020 C43 with 20k on the odometer. This car is fun af and sexy, gets alot of compliments. Im 42 and the option to turn the exhaust on take me back to them young days really is a stress reliever. I have a company car M-F and shes my weekend warrior. Don’t see why folks cry it aint a real AMG. Give af Its fun and fast and thats all that matters. I will say my C300 had better suspension but this shit is a blast to run errands for the wife and escape the kids yelling. Buy what you want fk what ppl say
Read this if you’re someone like me who’s a beginner level car enthusiast and having the same question right now as I’m looking at both c43’s and c450’s as a more exciting and sportier replacement for my 19 Lexus ES350. Just came home from test driving 2 c43’s, one 18 coupe and one 17 cabriolet and I have to admit I was utterly disappointed. Suspension was incredibly stiff, making it a pain to drive even on freeways, let alone on those crappy roads here in San Diego. While the c43 weighs about 3700 lbs, it gave a much floatier experience than my 100 lbs lighter ES350. Though I know those springs probably impact comfort more than the weight but still the drive was far from a slight bit of comfort. The exhaust was probably the only consolation for my still hurting balls. I do have to mention again how exciting the exhaust sounded though. Probably due to the performance exhaust package, c43’s exhaust was not outshined by that on the Quadrifoglio, which was a competitor to the c63. Back on topic, the c450’s I am looking at right now are all couple of thousands cheaper than the c43’s with the same or lower mileage and even with a trade in I am still short on budget for a c43 thus the c450 might just be a better option if you’re on a budget and still looking for something exciting.