A45 AMG Vs C43 AMG

A45 AMG Vs C43 AMG

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Discussion

anonymous-user

Original Poster:

53 months

Tuesday 12th September 2017
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Hi guys

Has anyone here been fortunate enough to drive a A45 and C43 AMG, as I'm wondering how the two cars compare with each other?

I know they are very different cars, but at similar price with comparable performance.

While I've always been adamant that I'd never lease a car, I have the opportunity to get some tempting lease deals on Mercedes through work, hence the interest in the two cars. Personally I'm not too fond on Hot hatches and love "barges", so naturally I am leaning more towards the C43, however the C43 seems to be catching a lot of flak from people for not being a 'real' AMG... And looking at performance figures alone has me worried that I'd end up a little bit disappointed; Its a quick car no doubt, but not quite as bonkers fast as the A45. I don't see myself ever leasing a car through 'normal' means, much less an AMG, so I would like something memorable above all else.

The A45 on the other hand is a serious weapon, however I'm really struggling to get over the A-Class bit, at least when its being compared to a C-Class. Based on my experience of the cooking models, the C-Class is a nicer package to live with, but is that in itself enough to give up the additional performance offered by the A45, especially to someone with no real need for space or practicality?

Any thoughts (other than to wait and see if a C63 is offered biggrin)?



RedAMG45

728 posts

158 months

Wednesday 13th September 2017
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Hi
I had non Fl A45 for two years and then in December got Facelift A45

Here is a forum to help you

http://www.aclassclub.co.uk/forum/a45-amg-forum_fo...

I think you need to go in test drive in both

The C43 is good package but when you add extra options it gets more expensive

It sounds good but people will always say AMG lite and I would be thinking i should have the V8

The A45 is great performer and very fast and fun and you can use it everyday

It has number driving modes

I can get 34-35 MPG on the moterway but when you use the loud pedal it does drop
Options to have selective damping,LSD, performance exhaust(it is quiet in comfort mode and on Motorway)

Have you looked at the AMG A45 CLA

I have not got bored with mine


rassi

2,447 posts

250 months

Thursday 14th September 2017
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I test drove a pre-FL A45 and clearly not the car for me. It felt very boosted (completely gutless at low revs), with an exaggerated and not very pleasant exhaust note. The cabin was standard A class fare, and certainly a huge step down from a C class.

I understand that the gearbox and engine is significantly improved with the FL but you should really drive the car and decide, based on your normal driving, if you can live with an A45.

RudeDog

1,652 posts

173 months

Thursday 14th September 2017
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If a proper AMG has a V8 then neither of your options are proper AMGs so don't let that be a factor in your decision making.

RedAMG45

728 posts

158 months

Thursday 14th September 2017
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RudeDog said:
If a proper AMG has a V8 then neither of your options are proper AMGs so don't let that be a factor in your decision making.
The ethos of AMG is the engine is built handmade

One man one engine

The A45 is handbuilt like the V8 not like the C43

I have nice plaque on my engine

Webdunk

194 posts

246 months

Friday 15th September 2017
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RedAMG45 said:
I have nice plaque on my engine
Who built yours? I have the work of the splendidly named Heiko Krus :-)

SiDHEaD

10 posts

224 months

Sunday 17th September 2017
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We've had our A45 for a year now, it's a right hoot and for the fact it's a 4cylinder it still sounds great with the sports exhaust.

Have you had a look at one? The interior is really nice if you spec the extended leather. Nice stichted dash etc.

I was looking for a car to replace my M3 with, and I looked at the C43, but decided to go with the CLA45 because our A45 is so good. Now to save up for a C63S for a few years biggrin

anonymous-user

Original Poster:

53 months

Sunday 17th September 2017
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Cheers for the replies guys

Seems like lots of positive reviews about the A45 on here.

Like you guys say, I really need to get some test drives together a little bit closer to the time to see what I prefer.

PorkRind

3,053 posts

204 months

Wednesday 20th September 2017
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Does the a45 power oversteer?!

Saabaholic

288 posts

155 months

Wednesday 20th September 2017
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PorkRind said:
Does the a45 power oversteer?!
No, it has a Haldex 4WD system. And if anything, will understeer on occasion.
If you turn the ESP off, you can do a Scandinavian flick and force it into a bit of a slide... I know, ive tried ;-)

mickyveloce

1,035 posts

235 months

Thursday 21st September 2017
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If you want hooligan behaviour in your AMG, the A45 isn't the way forward. It's just too competent at normal speeds which ultimately means that when you get used to the pace (which you will), there's little else to get excited about.
It
I've not driven the new C43, but to be honest I don't really want to. It's a barge-in-waiting in some respects. It hasn't the halo of the C63 (204 or 205) to protect it from the ravages of savage depreciation.

My '96 AMG (C36, no traction control) pictured here with the A45, provides oversteer and all that goes with it at much lower speeds. It demands maximum concentration when making progress and, consequently the challenge keeps the novelty alive.


magnum555

473 posts

158 months

Thursday 21st September 2017
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Driven the A45 facelift model (2016) it isn't a car I would buy.

Drove in all the modes including race and properly gave it a thrashing. The ride in all other settings apart from comfort was just too hard reminded me of the old ep3 civic type r. The engine sound wasn't nice at all, probably the worst I've experienced in a hot hatch or performance car. The sensation of speed was non existent didn't feel that fast. The seats were rock hard but were very supportive. Handling was very good but that's expected with 4 wheel drive and a stiff ride.