In Australia, Mercedes AMG and Audi Sport comfortably outsell that other German rival,
but when it comes to these two the differences are not as black and white as they may seem.
Pitched at the enthusiast driver, with a premium Euro taste and a budget to match, our performance
rivals combine spirited driving with prestige detail.
Priced at around $100 000, the Mercedes AMG C43 and Audi S4, push the value for money
equation in the sweetest way possible.
The C43 sits below the more powerful and more expensive C63 in the Benz line up, while the
S4 is the less powerful sibling to the upcoming RS4.
On paper there's not much to separate the two, but in the flesh, these arch rivals take
a very different approach to sprucing their sporting pedigree.
Three litre v6 engines, all wheel drive performance and adaptable drive modes are shared, with
an 8 speed auto doing duty in the S4, and a 9 speed auto fitted to the C43.
Both hit 100 kilometres an hour in just 4.7 seconds.
The Audi S4 is certainly the quiet achiever.
It's far more stealth like, everything about is more understated than the C43, its power,
delivery, its engine note, even its design, and for some people, that’s a really good
thing.
The C43 is definitely the more ostentatious choice.
It is the look at me, over the top, noisy, and it's a lot of fun.
The Audi’s 8 speed transmission is quick shifting and seamless, but feels a little
outpace in this company.
By contrast, the AMGs 9 speed unit is more flexible and lets you more readily exploit
the power at hand.
The twin turbo in the C43 just winds up so fast, the power is phenomenal.
You'll find yourself hitting the red line really quickly.
The exhaust note in the C43 is nothing short of brilliant, it just makes you want to plant
your foot all the time.
But the S4s taut body and composed handling saw it excel in other areas.
There's really not a great amount separating these two, but I have to say when you’re
dipping into corners really hard, I think it is the S4 that has the edge when it comes
to steering.
It's just that little bit more planted, that little bit more connected in feel through
the wheel.
But in saying that, neither of these cars come close to the BMW 3 series for steering,
feel and feedback.
The C43, on the other hand, is a joyous steer, but the combination of a softer sprung ride
and slower response times means you generally pump the thing into corners with a greater
degree of caution.
In cabin technology is fitting, including park pilots, 360 cameras, and top notch infotainment
suites.
Interior design divides the two, consistent with their character, whilst cabin comfort
is [unclear].
Audi’s virtual cockpit takes the win for ease use, while the C43 has a longer list
of features as standard, including a panoramic glass sunroof and electric adjust steering
wheel.
Where fuel efficiency and the environment are concerned, Audi wins.
Second row passengers will be comfortable and happy in either vehicle, but not as happy
as the driver.
Whether it's tech or emotion that you're after, this comparison is one behind the wheel.
The Audi’s effortless character is at odds with the flamboyant Mercedes AMG, and we found
ourselves splitting hairs in selecting a winner, but in this neck of the woods, it's the extroverted
AMG that delivers a more exhilarating experience, and on this occasion, takes the win.