C300 vs C43

[kev1387]

Looking at either a C300 or C43 in the next few weeks....
Does anybody know if there is much difference in fuel economy between the two?
I know you don’t buy either for fuel efficiency but if there’s not much difference in the real world, then I’d rather go with the C43.
Thanks guys

[playalistic]

There will be hardly any difference when driven relatively sedately. You just have to drive it sedately in the first place

[Brian_the_Snail]

We had a C300 coupe for two weeks as a Mercedes loan whilst our A35 was in for airbag fixes. C300 is very nice at a sedate pace but coarse, thirsty and sluggish when trying to make more brisk progress.

My wife is not a fast driver but even she told the Merc chap in the service department that to go faster in the C300 wifey would " have to Fred Flintstone it" (feet through the floor and peddle).

At next car change we will look at the C43 as this should tick the boxes of C coupe build quality and A35 performance.

B_T_S

[thecremeegg]

I don't agree, I have a 2019 C300 and it goes along quite nicely! Sure the C43 will be noticeable faster as it should be with all the extra power!

[barryrs]

I also have a 2019 C300 and think it’s a good compromise of performance and economy. 12500 miles in and an average of 38.2 mpg over that distance.

If you are happy with a less dramatic experience then I think it’s a great option; however, if you want a bit more of an AMG experience then a C43 would be better.

I don’t have any ownership experience so this is secondhand; but I was told I would drop around 10mpg with a 43.

ETA

One other thing to consider if you have a set budget and are buying used is the updated digital clocks (post 2018?) are much nicer.

Here’s mine

Edited by barryrs on Monday 25th November 22:19

[thecremeegg]

barryrs said:

I also have a 2019 C300 and think it’s a good compromise of performance and economy. 12500 miles in and an average of 38.2 mpg over that distance.

If you are happy with a less dramatic experience then I think it’s a great option; however, if you want a bit more of an AMG experience then a C43 would be better.

I don’t have any ownership experience so this is secondhand; but I was told I would drop around 10mpg with a 43.

ETA

One other thing to consider if you have a set budget and are buying used is the updated digital clocks (post 2018?) are much nicer.

Here’s mine

Edited by barryrs on Monday 25th November 22:19

Mine's on 13,500 at the moment and it's averaging about 32, though I do only drive it in sport which might explain!

[barryrs]

I’m stuck on the M5 most days and aren’t able to get much over 70 let alone give it some beans

[off_again]

barryrs said:

I also have a 2019 C300 and think it’s a good compromise of performance and economy. 12500 miles in and an average of 38.2 mpg over that distance.

Ah crap. C63S and over the 10,000 miles I have done, I get 19MPG (thats US gallons, so 22MPG in the UK). Eeek, maybe something a little more economical next time...

[thecremeegg]

off_again said:

Ah crap. C63S and over the 10,000 miles I have done, I get 19MPG (thats US gallons, so 22MPG in the UK). Eeek, maybe something a little more economical next time...

Hell no, stick with the C63S my man, I'm jealous!

[barryrs]

off_again said:

Ah crap. C63S and over the 10,000 miles I have done, I get 19MPG (thats US gallons, so 22MPG in the UK). Eeek, maybe something a little more economical next time...

My old V10 S6 averaged 19mpg (U.K.)
so I think you’re doing alright

[Porker87]

I have a 2019 C300 AMG line premium plus estate. The C43AMG has 4matic so better on those wet A and B roads.
Ride is pretty hard in mine so expect a C43 would be harder
Acceleration and noise is good when booting it to overtake , pity the newer C43 doesn’t have the V6

[Killer2005]

Bump

Anyone else been in a position to compare?

After many other options for a 4 seat convertible under £25k, I think I've narrowed down my search to between a C43 and a C300, maybe even the E300.

Naturally I'm leaning towards the C43 but my sensible side is taking me to the 300 due to slightly lower running costs.

Any opinions?

[Chestrockwell]

Killer2005 said:

Bump

Anyone else been in a position to compare?

After many other options for a 4 seat convertible under £25k, I think I've narrowed down my search to between a C43 and a C300, maybe even the E300.

Naturally I'm leaning towards the C43 but my sensible side is taking me to the 300 due to slightly lower running costs.

Any opinions?

Go for the M340i, you'll thank me later

[BEARDYB0Y]

First off, i presume you are talking about the previous generation as you want a cabriolet?

Best way I can compare them is the C300 is a slightly faster c class coupe, whereas the C43 is a more practical, comfortable c63.

Personally, c43 wins my vote everytime, the sound alone does it. The only reason id go C300 is if i was doing big big miles. Running costs wont be much higher for the 43 and the slight difference is well worth it. Ive regularly looked and lusted, i just cant find the right spec again. (Missed opportunities)

The split personality of an AMG is much more apparant than the BMW equivalents. Fine if you always want a sporty drive, but the 43 is super comfy and refined on a relaxed cruise as well. I never had a C43 customer complain and most only sold to upgrade to the V8.

The E class cabrio on the other hand is a very different car. It feels almost wrong driving one hard. Its much more aimed at comfortable cruising around the south of France than having fun on a sunny Sunday afternoon. Back seats are bigger but depends on what you are after. Make sure to get the double screens though, the analogue dials are disapointing.

Any questions let me know, happy to answer what i can!