Battle of the Beasts: Old Mercedes-AMG E 63 vs. New C 63 and Tuned A 45 – Who Reigns Supreme?
When legendary automaker Mercedes-AMG stages a drag race among its high-performance beasts, automotive enthusiasts everywhere tune in with bated breath. In a thrilling showdown, Mat Watson and the carwow crew recently pitted the old-school E 63 against the electrified, fresh-faced C 63 and a heavily-tuned A 45 S. This competition isn't just about speed; it's about raw power, engineering prowess, and unmistakable AMG growl.
The Line-Up: A Closer Look
At the forefront is the AMG A 45 S, the most affordable model sporting a proper AMG-assembled powerplant. Its 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine churns out an impressive 421 horsepower (or 415 hp in the U.S.) and 500 Nm of torque (369 lb-ft for us stateside). A tuned variant of the A 45 S, boasting 493 hp and 610 Nm of torque, also entered the fray.
Joining the battle is the latest C 63 S E Performance, a technological marvel tipped the scales at a hefty 2,190 kilograms (4,828 pounds). Its hybrid system combines a hand-assembled four-cylinder engine with a pair of electric motors to deliver a staggering 671 hp and 1,020 Nm of torque — figures that outshine even a Ferrari Enzo and a Ram 1500 TRX in terms of sheer force.
Rounding out the lineup is the venerable E 63, with its twin-turbocharged V8 engine roaring out 603 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque. Despite its bulkier frame at 1,990 kilograms (4,387 pounds), this powerhouse's all-wheel-drive system and AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9G transmission give it an edge in the auditory delight department.
The Showdown: Speed and Sound
The drag races painted a vivid picture of each vehicle’s strengths and weaknesses. Despite the A 45 S's initial edge on paper due to its high output and lighter weight of 1,550 kilograms (3,417 pounds), the E 63 managed to finish just half a car length ahead, leading to a dead heat at 12.1 seconds for the quarter mile. The tuned A 45 S, however, shaved off an extra 0.2 seconds, clocking in at a best time of 11.9 seconds.
Meanwhile, the C 63, despite its significant mass, proved its mettle by completing the quarter-mile stretch in an impressive 11.5 seconds. Carwow's previous testing had the E 63 recording an 11.1-second run, a testament to its enduring legacy in speed and performance.
The Aural Experience
While numbers often dominate discussions around performance cars, the visceral experience of their unique roars can't be overlooked. The E 63, with its V8 symphony, offers an auditory feast that the other models struggle to match. The C 63, though potent and technologically advanced, falls short in terms of sound, offering a more muted experience despite its prowess on the tarmac. The A 45, with its ferocious four-cylinder, provides a distinctive snarl that's both unique and exhilarating in its own right.
Beyond the Quarter Mile
As the drag races concluded, the true extent of the cars' capabilities came to the fore in half-mile rolling start races and emergency braking tests. Here, the C 63 S E Performance wagon (or T-Modell, as Mercedes refers to its estates) showcased its balanced engineering, winning both categories. The blend of electric and gasoline power gave it a versatility that wasn’t just about straight-line speed but also control and adaptability in real-world scenarios.
Conclusion: Each Beast's Unique Roar
In the end, this trio of AMG giants — the experienced E 63, the high-tech C 63, and the spirited A 45 — each displayed their unique strengths and character. The E 63 remains a symbol of old-school power and auditory pleasure, the C 63 S E Performance embodies the future of hybrid performance, while the A 45 S and its tuned variant signify accessibility to AMG's high-performance legacy.
Every roar, every finish line crossed, and every second shaved off in this showdown is a testament to Mercedes-AMG's relentless pursuit of automotive excellence. Whether you're a traditionalist, a tech enthusiast, or someone in between, there's a model in this drag race that speaks to every kind of petrolhead.