Epic Battle: AMG C63 vs E63 vs A45 – Drag Race Showdown Unveiled
Welcome to an exhilarating drag race featured on CarWow's YouTube channel, where three Mercedes-AMG heavyweights go head-to-head: the compact A45 S, the hybrid-powered C63 S, and the classic E63 S. This showdown promises to be a test of both cutting-edge technology and raw power over a standing quarter mile. Let's delve into the details and highlights of this exciting race.
Meet the Contenders
The setup includes some intimidating AMG models, each bringing a unique edge. First up, the A45 S, driven by Ray Rowe, is equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 421 horsepower and 500 Newton-metres of torque. It’s a £60,000 bargain given the performance, channeling power through an eight-speed automatic gearbox to all four wheels. Weighing just under 1.6 tonnes, it sets the stage for a mighty competition.
The C63 S: A Technological Marvel
The C63 S faces off with a sophisticated powertrain featuring the same 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine as the A45 but tuned to 476 horsepower. Added to this is a rear-axle electric motor contributing 204 horsepower, combining for a total output of 680 horsepower and a staggering 1,020 Newton-metres of torque. However, this technological wonder also brings complexity, such as a nine-speed automatic gearbox and an additional two-speed gearbox for the electric motor. Weighing in at nearly 2.2 tonnes and priced around £100,000, this car is the behemoth in this contest.
The E63 S: The V8 Powerhouse
Nick introduces us to the E63 S, which features a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine generating 612 horsepower and 850 Newton-metres of torque. Despite its formidable engine, it weighs slightly under 2 tonnes and costs approximately £90,000. Interestingly, it has less power than the C63 S, leading to some unexpected results.
Revving Up: The Sound Check
Before the race, the sound check reveals the musical differences between the engines. The A45’s four-cylinder engine produces an unexpectedly decent roar. The C63, however, disappoints with fake synthetic sounds inside the cabin, much to everyone’s amusement. The E63, despite having a soft limiter, comes out victorious in the sound department with genuine exhaust notes that satisfy any petrolhead’s craving.
The Drag Race Begins
With the preliminaries out of the way, the drag race kicks off. Despite the technologic superiority of the C63, the old-school muscle of the E63 doesn’t quite measure up initially, lagging behind. Subsequent runs show the E63 struggling with power output, suggesting issues with the car’s performance.
A Surprising Twist: Tuned A45
Faced with the E63’s underperformance, a tuned A45 with 500 horsepower steps in. This tweak leads to an interesting three-way face-off. As the race begins, the C63 once again showcases its superior acceleration, thanks to the electric motor’s boost. Despite the tuned A45’s lighter weight and impressive power, it finishes behind the C63, which clocks the quickest quarter-mile time of 11.5 seconds.
The Rolling Race
Switching to a rolling race from 50 miles per hour in comfort mode, the cars exhibit different dynamics. The C63 faces a unique challenge as the electric motor only delivers 25% of its power in this setting. Nevertheless, it still pulls ahead convincingly, although the comfort mode minimizes its advantage temporarily.
Final Test: The Brake Challenge
The final test revolves around emergency braking from 100 miles per hour. Despite its heavier build and possibly inferior initial results, the C63 surprises by stopping significantly shorter than expected, emphasizing the excellent braking system which offsets its weight. In this respect, it trumps the competition, marking a comprehensive win in multiple aspects of this drag race showdown.
This CarWow episode not only thrills with its drag race drama but also provides insights into how traditional ICE engines, hybrids, and performance tuning stack up against each other. If performance and technological prowess intrigue you, this drag race is a must-watch!