S5 vs. AMG C43 thoughts

[JLoft]

My nogaro B5 S4 was in the shop when the shop burned down last week (read all the details in the S4 forum). So I'm in the market unexpectedly. I'm still depressed that I'll not have a manual trans again. I've narrowed things down to a S5 Sportback or the C43. So who else has crossed shopped?

The C43 test drive was a good one. Fast. Nice and tight. Wierd little shifter and windshield wiper stalk on the left. No spare. Trunk is ok size I guess. Felt like a "Mercedes" if that makes sense.

Drove an A5 Sportback today to get the feel for size (I can get the dealer's order for the first S5 Sportback). I would expect the S5 performance to match the C43. Feels like an "Audi" for sure, which I like.

Part of the dilemma is that I can get a huge (but yet undetermined) discount through a Merdedes-employed relative.

So what have the rest of you seen in a comparison? Or any other suggestions for that matter......

[rmbrown09]

My nogaro B5 S4 was in the shop when the shop burned down last week (read all the details in the S4 forum). So I'm in the market unexpectedly. I'm still depressed that I'll not have a manual trans again. I've narrowed things down to a S5 Sportback or the C43. So who else has crossed shopped?

The C43 test drive was a good one. Fast. Nice and tight. Wierd little shifter and .ndshield wiper stalk on the left. No spare. Trunk is ok size I guess. Felt like a "Mercedes" if that makes sense.

Drove an A5 Sportback today to get the feel for size (I can get the dealer's order for the first S5 Sportback). I would expect the S5 performance to match the C43. Feels like an "Audi" for sure, which I like.

Part of the dilemma is that I can get a huge (but yet undtermined) discount through a Merdedes-employed relative.

So what have the rest of you seen in a comparison? Or any other suggestions for that matter......

From an aesthetic standpoint I think the new S5 and sportback variant beat the living shit out a C43. But this is an Audi forum.

[Xplycko]

OOOO

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[Okan509]

saw your post on the merc forums.

used to own an b8 s4.

The new s5 should be quite considerably better than the previous gen but Audi still has a fundamental flaw in there larger cars/larger displacement cars - and that is the placement of the engine. It's too far forward to have the same type of driving dynamics the competition offers.

The Audi will have a better transmission.

I feel like mercedes just tunes their cars, in general, a little more aggressively. So if you want a softer more refined experience I'd go with the Audi. If you want a more racey/sporty feel I'd go with the c43. (I am speaking stock vs stock - modifications can throw that way out the window.)

[SixShifter]

was going to suggest you visit the C43 forum, but I see you've also started a similar thread over there. based on what I've seen ... and I've been following it since the C43 became unavailable ... the major complaint (other than the non-availability of the power mirrors in the P3 package) is fit and finish- followed closely by the terrible Burmester audio system ... but I'll assume you've already read through the threads and have come to your own conclusions. I know for my part that the only way I'd currently consider moving into the C43 is if the E50 turns out to be a total disappointment when introduced in '18.

[Bronc0]

I own an S5 and I am a sales consultant for Mercedes-Benz. I can probably give you the best comparison. The C43 has more utility value, the 9 speed transmission is ridiculously smooth. The C43 has a very nice torque split at 69-31, it's enough to keep you stable in bad weather but makes it handle like a dream when you get on it. The dynamic select has more defined parameters than the S5. The C43 has a nicer engine sound in my opinion. You'll also find the C43 to be faster too, there is a noticeable difference.

Truthfully. It comes down to styling. The S5 is much more sleek and sporty looking. It's a "younger persons car" to be honest to the uneducated it is hard to tell the difference between the c300/c43/C63s

I bought my S5 in college before I started working for Mercedes. I have been an Audi die hard, and I mean that. I have done 3 2.7t swaps on the B6 platform and owned 6 different Audis. Mercedes wins out every time in my opinion. The C43 is a better car in almost every way. I am currently figuring out the best way for me to make the jump myself. I will always have an Audi as a winter beater as I'm a strong believer in the Quattro system. Get the C43 if you value performance, you won't be disappointed. Just my $0.02, it's subjective


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[Xplycko]

Blasphemy ^^^^^^

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[Xplycko]

But seriously, at the end of the day it comes down to what you want to drive. Which one sings to your soul???? You will never regret the "gut" on a car IMO. I have regretted using sense and equations when buying a car though, but not too much.

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[Bronc0]

But seriously, at the end of the day it comes down to what you want to drive. Which one sings to your soul???? You will never regret the "gut" on a car IMO. I have regretted using sense and equations when buying a car though, but not too much.

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100% right. I say this to clients all the time. Luxury cars are not rational decisions. Therefore go with what resonates most with you. If you want A to B go buy a Honda.


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[doug97gxe]

I own an S5 and I am a sales consultant for Mercedes-Benz. I can probably give you the best comparison. The C43 has more utility value, the 9 speed transmission is ridiculously smooth. The C43 has a very nice torque split at 69-31, it's enough to keep you stable in bad weather but makes it handle like a dream when you get on it. The dynamic select has more defined parameters than the S5. The C43 has a nicer engine sound in my opinion. You'll also find the C43 to be faster too, there is a noticeable difference.

Truthfully. It comes down to styling. The S5 is much more sleek and sporty looking. It's a "younger persons car" to be honest to the uneducated it is hard to tell the difference between the c300/c43/C63s

I bought my S5 in college before I started working for Mercedes. I have been an Audi die hard, and I mean that. I have done 3 2.7t swaps on the B6 platform and owned 6 different Audis. Mercedes wins out every time in my opinion. The C43 is a better car in almost every way. I am currently figuring out the best way for me to make the jump myself. I will always have an Audi as a winter beater as I'm a strong believer in the Quattro system. Get the C43 if you value performance, you won't be disappointed. Just my $0.02, it's subjective


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to be fair this S5 is a totally different car from yours.. its probably best he drive it first. The B9 A4 loaner i had killed the B8 A4 loaner .. fit and finish.. technology.. power.. B9 is just an overall better car than the B8.

[Atmmac]

I'd go for the Mercedes. The b9 is pretty ugly looking. If I was in the market the c63 is something I would go for. The rear tail lights look great. I think mercedes has done an outstanding job.

[JLoft]

Again, thanks guys. Yes, I also posted over at MB - I didn't know how much overlap in readership there might be. I was not at all ready for a major decision like this and need the opinions from both sides to get up to speed quickly. I'm driving both again today. Keep the thoughts coming.

[Quattttttttttro]

I'd go for the Mercedes. The b9 is pretty ugly looking. If I was in the market the c63 is something I would go for. The rear tail lights look great. I think mercedes has done an outstanding job.

Have you had the chance of seeing b9 in person? I saw the B9 S5 in person and it was nothing but a love at first sight. I tell you, pictures DO NOT do justice for that car. I will definitely buy a used one in the next few years

[Foxbat]

The C43 has more utility value, the 9 speed transmission is ridiculously smooth. [/url]

I found it totally annoying, it kept switching back and forth all the time, responding to drive conditions, and each step, even though not producing a huge jolt, was easy to feel and seemed completely out of place.

I would definitely go for Audi, but if you feel like investigating other alternatives, the Jaguar XE is a great, and I mean - great package in its sport form. Much better than Benz in my view.

[Xplycko]

I would like to ad that me on a personal note finds all Mercedes kind of bland looking. The only exceptions being the gull wing door cars, they are beautiful.

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[mrpoker]

The quality of Mercedes has gone down as well, especially in the interior! Main reason I have switched over to Audi. If you want a louder and more jolty ride go with the C43, but after the noise becomes normal you will get tired of the seats and the squeaks and rattles the car makes. The B9 is the best overall package for a daily driver, comfortable but still quick on its feet with great quattro handling.

[Bronc0]

The quality of Mercedes has gone down as well, especially in the interior! Main reason I have switched over to Audi. If you want a louder and more jolty ride go with the C43, but after the noise becomes normal you will get tired of the seats and the squeaks and rattles the car makes. The B9 is the best overall package for a daily driver, comfortable but still quick on its feet with great quattro handling.

You're high buddy. The build quality of any comparable Mercedes to Audi is significantly better. You can't use a CLA as reference point either, it's barely a Mercedes


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[Okan509]

My C has bad build quality compared to either of my b8 a4 or b8.5 s4.

rattles galore and I'm not the only one complaining about it.

I'm just leasing and have bigger fish to fry - but something to consider.

[RVJ]

You're high buddy. The build quality of any comparable Mercedes to Audi is significantly better. You can't use a CLA as reference point either, it's barely a Mercedes


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I'm not a Mercedes fan (unless we're talking AMG's) but I bought the wife a 2015 GL450 (that way she couldn't complain when I got my S5 ) and I have no complaints about the build quality. I find the two comparable with the Mercedes having some nice touches...stitched leather dash, 360 degree cameras, folding mirrors, etc. Also, very solid with no rattles. Nothing that would pull me away from Audi though.


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[Xplycko]

The Audi is just a better looking car IMO. No one in the world builds a front fascia like Audi. The only other car company that even gets close IMO is Alpha Romeo.

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[Xplycko]

If your comparing cars you should look at the Alpha Giulia as well.

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[mrpoker]

You're high buddy. The build quality of any comparable Mercedes to Audi is significantly better. You can't use a CLA as reference point either, it's barely a Mercedes


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I'm not comparing the CLA45 to that market segment. My wife had the 2016 Mercedes C300, she traded it in as well for an Audi. I have also driven the New E class, CLS and GLE, they all have similar interior build quality.

[mrpoker]

My C has bad build quality compared to either of my b8 a4 or b8.5 s4.

rattles galore and I'm not the only one complaining about it.

I'm just leasing and have bigger fish to fry - but something to consider.

Hell ya, tell me about it!!!! I read so many posts on Mercedes forums of the same complaint, it really bugs me that a Mercedes Brand has become so complacent and is just selling the Name rather then the quality it use to previously be known for!

[Xplycko]

I owned an 88 190e. That car never made a squeak and was reliable. My sister a a newer c class and this may sound weird but the 190 just felt better.

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[bhvrdr]

Hell ya, tell me about it!!!! I read so many posts on Mercedes forums of the same complaint, it really bugs me that a Mercedes Brand has become so complacent and is just selling the Name rather then the quality it use to previously be known for!

I've had C classes, E classes. In honestly, when I have walked around my MB cars I can see panels that dont quite line up right, plastic bumper parts that stick out a bit, etc. The new c-class had wierd panel gaps...

https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...responses.html

The interiors would bleed...



http://www.autoblog.com/2015/01/07/m...-seat-problem/

etc. I still like mercedes. They do feel solid and I like the smooth ride but I put the build quality of my recent Audi cars well ahead.

mike

[luv2sleep]

Mercedes has the brand thing going. My wife likes MB vehicles; she's on her 6th one. They are a dime in dozen, kind of like bimmers. To me, they are bland and boring. To each his own.
One of my neighbors owns a C43. I don't know how it drives and I'm sure it's a fun car but again, it looks bland and boring to me. An average A5 looks nicer than any C class and when you move up to a S5 and then the RS5, there's no comparison to any C class IMO. As far as performance goes, get a tune which will put it in a whole different league. What do you expect...this is an Audi forum.

[Xplycko]

4 Rings for life!!! Unless someone gives me a Pagani Zonda

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[Okan509]

Mercedes has the brand thing going. My wife likes MB vehicles; she's on her 6th one. They are a dime in dozen, kind of like bimmers. To me, they are bland and boring. To each his own.
One of my neighbors owns a C43. I don't know how it drives and I'm sure it's a fun car but again, it looks bland and boring to me. An average A5 looks nicer than any C class and when you move up to a S5 and then the RS5, there's no comparison to any C class IMO. As far as performance goes, get a tune which will put it in a whole different league. What do you expect...this is an Audi forum.

that's a bold statement. It's just strokes for different folks at the end of the day.

[Xplycko]

I won't lie when done like that those are vicious looking animals. But I still prefer the Audi. It's just like you said, whatever strokes your boat ;)

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[luv2sleep]

that's a bold statement. It's just strokes for different folks at the end of the day.

The last picture is really well done. I'll stick with 4 rings. Like I've said, to each his own.

[jokingjimmy]

that's a bold statement. It's just strokes for different folks at the end of the day.

Personal opinion of course, but Mercedes front ends look like strange insects wearing Oakley sunglasses. That bulbous noise with the giant emblem, looking strikingly similar to an Infinity Q50 just doesn't do it for me. From the side and rear, pretty awesome, but front, yuck.

MB is a great car, and the tech is nice, but the C Class just isn't a great quality build. Once you get up in E Class, then I would say build quality, including interior starts to compare. At the "entry" price point, Audi just sits above the rest on quality and fit/finish.

But, at the end of the day, like others have said, sit in them, drive them, the one that bites you on the butt and puts a smile on your face is the one to get. But get comfy seat lol.

Now, with the family discount, that is something to consider, but a couple thousand bucks saved for getting the second best choice isn't worth it - assuming the Audi is your first choice that is! Remember, we don't get these cars because they are a smart financial decision, we get them because we're crack addicts, waiting for that next drive high...

Good luck bud!

[Okan509]

Personal opinion of course, but Mercedes front ends look like strange insects wearing Oakley sunglasses. That bulbous noise with the giant emblem, looking strikingly similar to an Infinity Q50 just doesn't do it for me. From the side and rear, pretty awesome, but front, yuck.

MB is a great car, and the tech is nice, but the C Class just isn't a great quality build. Once you get up in E Class, then I would say build quality, including interior starts to compare. At the "entry" price point, Audi just sits above the rest on quality and fit/finish.

But, at the end of the day, like others have said, sit in them, drive them, the one that bites you on the butt and puts a smile on your face is the one to get. But get comfy seat lol.

Now, with the family discount, that is something to consider, but a couple thousand bucks saved for getting the second best choice isn't worth it - assuming the Audi is your first choice that is! Remember, we don't get these cars because they are a smart financial decision, we get them because we're crack addicts, waiting for that next drive high...

Good luck bud!

I disagree about your sentiments on the interior - to be more specific

The materials and finish are great - but the there are rattles. I mean, my car has a leather stitched dash - which you won't find in the Audi.

looks are subjective, period.

[jokingjimmy]

I disagree about your sentiments on the interior - to be more specific

The materials and finish are great - but the there are rattles. I mean, my car has a leather stitched dash - which you won't find in the Audi.

looks are subjective, period.

I agree with you on the dash 100% actually. Stitched leather dashes are really nice and I prefer them. There are single bits that could be picked out where one is better than the other.

I'm speaking on the design, materials and application as a whole, Audi does better in their entry/mid line segment than the competition with the whole interior package.

Jump up to that AMG Shooting Brake, and all bets are off lol.

[Okan509]

I agree with you on the dash 100% actually. Stitched leather dashes are really nice and I prefer them. There are single bits that could be picked out where one is better than the other.

I'm speaking on the design, materials and application as a whole, Audi does better in their entry/mid line segment than the competition with the whole interior package.

Jump up to that AMG Shooting Brake, and all bets are off lol.

I do love Audi interiors and the b9 is no exception.

[jachien]

The b9 s5 sounds sooooooo much better than the b8.


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[Quattttttttttro]

The b9 s5 sounds sooooooo much better than the b8.


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the b9 gets a lot of flack on car forums. Granted I was one of them until I went by my Audi dealer and saw the B9 S5 and it truly is a stunning stunning STUNNING car in person. It is definitely going to be my next car in the next few years when I can find good used ones.
I haven't looked at a car like the B9 S5 in a very long time lol

[ip428]

So much to consider, thanks for the thread, I've been looking at those c43's as well. I'll keep researching and seeing what else gets posted here!

[bknewtype]

tough call, I like the c43 exterior better, but s5 interior. virtual cockpit and massaging seats, mmmmmmm

[PEM]

^ i agree with bk

[JLoft]

OP here again. The decision was the S5 Sportback. A big decision made easy by going with what made me smile more. The B9 seems to be a huge step up from the B8, and that is a great car already. S5 will arrive this summer - the first Sportback at my dealership. Thanks for all the help.

And yes, the insurance company low-balled my on my (formerly) pristine B5 S4. I'll work on that......