The Ultimate Battle: New Mercedes-AMG C63 4-Cylinder vs. Old C63 V8 in a Thrilling Drag Race
What happens when you put the newest hybrid 2.0-litre four-cylinder Mercedes-AMG C63 Estate against its predecessor, the V8-powered C63 Estate? In this exciting drag race, we’re about to find out. Standing quarter mile, rolling race, sound check, and brake test — this competition has it all. With Matt Watson behind the wheel, we delve into the specifics to see which car emerges victorious. You don't want to miss this!
The Contenders
First up is the classic, the 2015 Mercedes-AMG C63 S. This beast houses a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine that packs a punch with 510 horsepower and 700 Newton meters of torque. Rear-wheel drive, seven-speed automatic gearbox, and weighing in at 1.7 tonnes, this car originally cost £63,000. The opponent? The all-new Mercedes-AMG C63 S Estate, boasting a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine augmented by an electric motor. This combo produces a staggering 680 horsepower and 1,020 Newton meters of torque, making it essential to have four-wheel drive. However, all that tech means this car is heavier at 2.2 tonnes and significantly more expensive at nearly £100,000.
Sound Check: V8 Roar vs. Modern Limitations
With the preliminaries out of the way, it's time for the sound test. The old C63 revs up, unhindered by modern soft limiters, reaching a glorious roar. The new C63, however, is capped at 4,000 RPM due to its soft limiter, making its performance in this round less than impressive. The V8 takes the win here unequivocally.
Drag Race: The Showdown
The drag race begins with a head-to-head start. As the signal drops, both cars zoom off. Surprisingly, the new C63's four-wheel drive easily surpasses the rear-wheel drive of the old C63, taking an early and decisive lead. Despite the V8's impressive start, it struggles with traction, a stark contrast to the smooth takeoff of the hybrid four-cylinder. In the end, the new C63 clinches the victory with a standing quarter-mile time of 11.5 seconds, leaving the old C63 trailing at 12.1 seconds. A clear win for new technology!
Rolling Race: A Different Arena
Next, the rolling race begins from a 50 mph speed. Both cars are set to their sportiest modes. Initially, the older C63 gets a solid jump thanks to its straightforward setup. However, the new C63 stumbles slightly between gear shifts, likely overwhelmed by its complex systems. The old C63 takes an unexpected win in this round. They run it again in Sport Plus mode. This time, the revised settings allow the new C63 to outperform its older sibling, making amends for the earlier hiccup.
Final Challenges: Manual Roll-on and Brake Test
Shifting to a manual third gear roll-on race, the old C63 again shows its linear power delivery and ease of use. While the new C63's electric motor gives it a small edge initially, the raw power of the V8 makes for a compelling race. The grand finale, a brake test from 100 mph, sees both cars hurtling to a stop. Despite its weight, the hybrid new C63 surprisingly halts quicker than the older V8, showcasing advancements in braking technology.
The Verdict
Overall, the new Mercedes-AMG C63 wins more categories but fails to capture the emotional allure of the old V8. Engineering marvels and modern advancements take the crown in terms of performance, but the soulful roar and pure drive of the old V8 still leave a lasting impression on automotive enthusiasts.