The C43 is the better car "overall". The material qualities are better, although the CLA 45 has a more modern design on the inside. In the US, the CLA45 has 2 very ugly bumps near the license plate area due to regulations, it's so poorly placed on that it actually ruins the exterior of the car for me. Also, although the official 0-60 numbers for the CLA45 is faster than the C43, this is because the CLA45 has launch control and the 0-60 numbers were calculated off of that. The C43 0-60 numbers are just from stomping on the gas pedal. My friend and I went head to head and the C43 actually gets to 60 first if no launch control is involved. However, it's always possible to brake boost the C43, in which case we mostly tied. The sounds from the C43 and the AMG Performance Exhaust are 100% better though! Other than, the CLA45 does have the newer and more superior 4-matic, but this isn't something you would notice unless you're in a situation where you rely on AWD constantly. The clunky 9spd automatic transmission on the 2020 C43 that I have is definitely unrefined, but you can actually bring it to the dealership and get this "fixed". This is a mixed bag because on the forums, some people have success while others went to dealerships that said "nothing is wrong".

This is the review I have been waiting for.. thanks..

Great video! Helped me out debating between the two and I think the C43 might be the way to go for a starter car. Thanks!!

Great video real world explanation as you drive really helps to explain the little differences I needed to know.

Agree with you on the interior point. I much prefer the dash layout of the current C Class over the likes of the A, CLA, E, etc.

@raccs600

3 жыл бұрын

the E ? yeah no

I’ve got the 2019 C43. Absolutely love it and I’m so glad it hasn’t got touch screen as the finger marks would drive me insane. Also I prefer the virtual cockpit rather then a long iPad slapped on the dash. Great vids as always.

@manny3332

2 жыл бұрын

I have the cla 35 amg and 100% agree with you

@obliviantz7139

Жыл бұрын

Yes totally agree with this I hate the long iPads. Glad I ain’t the only one

Hold the ESP button down to turn it off on your C43 and there will be no power limits even while turning. And click ESP once to change it into sport

Did you tune either of them? From looking online tuning each changes the games as the C43 becomes a monster.

I am glad they decided to go with the S class media set up in the 2022 models

Upgraded myself from a 2015 cla 45 Amg to a cla 45 Amg S . Totally different car ...revs high and keeps going and going and going ... the 8 speed dct is perfect ...

@DrivesbyZH

3 жыл бұрын

Need to get my hands on one of those soon enough!

@user-ku2gy5dh8q

3 жыл бұрын

Zubair Hoque yup you should ... downside it is not loud for me it sounds very humble

Great video zubair! I'm literally trying to choose between the 2018 CLA45, or 2018/19 C43, I really like the interior and bucket seats in the cla45, the seats in the C43 look a bit too normal for me. But performance wise and more of a wow factor, which would you recommend?

@DrivesbyZH

2 жыл бұрын

Performance definitely the CLA45, the 43 feels a little more grown up?! You’re right about the seats though, they are naff in the 43

Just the video I was looking for Thankyou for this content. Wanted a C63 but just not practical lol. So i prefer the look of the C43 saloon 19 plate but it just doesn't sound like the V8 😭. The sound of a CLA45 sounds like a remapped tractor so deffo new c class c43 is the way to go

@Dopeboyz909

2 жыл бұрын

I’m in the same boat as you

I think your transmission might be a lemon. Where was yours built? My c43 2020 Coupé is seamless

Also wanted to add that a brand new C43, although MSRP is higher than the CLA 45, actually gets a pretty hefty discount because these are not considered "real" hand built AMG and therefore a lot of Mercedes discount for their regular C300 and etc. also applies to the C43. For comparison my 2020 C43 MSRP at $67k with quite a lot of options and I was able to get it out the door at $57k and my lease is $560 per month. Compared to a $58k MSRP CLA 45, there are no discounts and the lease for that one is $1100 per month. Pretty ridiculous to pay TWICE as much for a lower line up, $10k cheaper car if you ask me.

@DrivesbyZH

3 жыл бұрын

Very true! Good residuals on those more niche models as well

Nice grandma seats in the 43

@Kevin_2442

3 жыл бұрын

What are grandma seats?

@rotirot3362

3 жыл бұрын

@@Kevin_2442 I guess when they are confi for daily use lol😂 stupid comment anyway

Why didn’t you get the coupe version it really looks good and btw which one is faster c43 or cla i mean which one is more torquier car ?

@DrivesbyZH

3 жыл бұрын

A similar specced coupe at the time was coming in several Ks more expensive + in hindsight, I prefer the practicality of the extra doors. The 45 does feel quicker in...every way by small amounts

They fixed the transmission on the 2021 c43.. I ordered one today👏👏

@DrivesbyZH

3 жыл бұрын

You won't be disappointed!

@ericatkinson2752

3 жыл бұрын

I had the 18 and loved it. Black with cranberry interior, night package, exhaust package.. i wanted the 20 but couldn't find those options so had to order the 21

@skies44

3 жыл бұрын

What did they fix with the transmission?

What about 4 VS 6 cylinder? how was the power delivery in the 4cil? as you commented the gearbox, I suppose also makes noticeable how the power/torque, it's delivered. I was commented by the Merc. dealer that in the previous cla45 you need to go high on revs to reach the torque and power and turbo lag it's noticeable. I still had my Saab 9-3ss (tuned from 175bhp to 320bhp aprox.) and the difference on how the torque/power delivery it's noticeable different beyond the power difference, more progressiveness and lack of lag in the V6. Also the power/weight ratio it's an advantage in the CLA, around 1.550kg, vs the 1700kg, it's something I noticed also from the Saab to the C43. My first option was the RS3 sedan, that 5c. engine I loved (not the level of understeer :) ), but in 2018 when I went to the dealer in August, that week it was put on hold the production. I waited a couple of months and give-up and went for the C43 that was the other option. I discarded the CLA45, I was looking something different than the 4 cylinder, I already had the 9-3ss. Personally I don't regret it, beyond the gearbox is not the best in class, it's more than enough for the type of car. Regards and enjoy.

@DrivesbyZH

3 жыл бұрын

The 4 cylinder in the 45 has a turbo that has massive boost pressure figures in order to throw out that performance, so it’s a narrower power band compared to the 43. How that feels under your bum, that ‘throw you back in the seat’ kind of acceleration when the turbo spools up whereas not so dramatic in the 43

@mikehawk120

3 жыл бұрын

Too funny man, I was cross shopping the RS3 as well lol. I ended up with a 21 A35. Will prob trade and grab a cla45 in a year or two. No issues with the A, just want to be closer to 400 hp and the 8 speed with + is def a tad better.

I'm thinking of upgrading to a 2018 CLA 45 AMG over my 2015 Nismo Juke RS. Would you say it's reliable? nothing falling off inside, no weird noises and such? I just want to know im not getting into a problem waiting to happen. This is used certified with service and such btw.

@DrivesbyZH

3 жыл бұрын

In all the time I had my CLA 45 I had no real issues; when I bought the car it had a pre-existing issue with start stop but that was fixed with hassle under warranty. The following 3 years were plain sailing 😎👍🏽

@tevonjames6668

3 жыл бұрын

Glad to hear it, thanks for the feedback.

Mercedes c43 is my dream car 😍❤️

When will CLA45s be released in the USA?

@DrivesbyZH

3 жыл бұрын

I’m not sure!

@BN99239

3 жыл бұрын

I don't think USA is getting the S

@TheRealBobMarley

3 жыл бұрын

btp589 Guess my c43 was a great purchase then!

What was the boot space like on the cla?

@DrivesbyZH

3 жыл бұрын

Biggest in class I think! Weird shaped opening but very deep

@misbaurrahman2951

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks bro - love the vids. Keep them coming!

C43 has way More better potential to tune than CLA45. Way better gearbox and 4Matic, and Pull above 100km/h!

Don’t think you can compare c43 and cla45s. I’d compare cla 45s to c63.

@DrivesbyZH

3 жыл бұрын

Well I have 🌚 lol, I compared performance with the previous CLA45 as I owned that, I’ve yet to experience the new 45 S, so I compared the interior against this facelift C43. But yes, performance wise, 45 S vs 63 would make a good comparison

@raccs600

3 жыл бұрын

the c43 does compare to it what are you saying

C is better CLA class … better interior and bigger as well. Ride not too much different . I have a C300 2019 model … much more powerful than the CLA 250 sport and better interior and bigger.

Im stuck between a 2019 c43 for 42k or a 2020 cla 45 amg for 70k i drove both and still can't decide

@CTLatteberry

3 жыл бұрын

but 70k? might as well go c63

@tragik183

3 жыл бұрын

@@CTLatteberry there to much brand new im thinking about it 8

@CTLatteberry

3 жыл бұрын

tragik183 id take the new c63 any day. face lifted to a gt grill. killed every competition in 70-80k price range

Cla 45 all day long

So you bought an AMG for comfort? Hmm. What about the Cheap63, I mean C63? Everything favors the CLA45. That's the best Mercedes can do at lower prices? Plastic, 4 cylinder turbos. What ever happened to them? Profit and not manufactured in Stuttgart. Everything is cut corners. Vert decent comparison though. I'd rather have an older E Class then. Only get 382hp out of a bi-turbo V6? That's Mercedes saying, "If you spend more, we will unlock more power.". As much as I don't enjoy the CLA models, the CLA45 S ar 421hp is the choice. Comfort? It's like when I asked the BMW (M3 buying) Dealer salesman about safety technology and he said, "You are the first person to ever ask about safety features." (The sport stuff always comes first in all 3 models as options) I said, "If I'm dead, I can't enjoy the sport stuff.". (Handling, power, entertainment and etc.) AMG should never be for comfort, safety or MPG.

@UhhhhhnooOOo00oO

Жыл бұрын

@DeepDarkier And make the engine last 1/10th of ots life and void the warranty. What are you doing that requires 60 more hp? Answer = It is fun. I get it. I'd never buy any car with a turbo. Naturally aspirated or hybrid plug in. (Never an all EV) An infinite V6 got 330hp out of it without a turbo 7 or so years ago.

@gurgenmakaryan4428

3 ай бұрын

Right, infinity givs 330 hp 3.7 v6, but the transmission is so.... sleepy, so slow shifting, kills all the power

@UhhhhhnooOOo00oO

3 ай бұрын

@gurgenmakaryan4428 I had one. 328hp, unless you had the F-Sport. 9 rin flat tires failed, fuel pump, electronics and a plethora of other things. To the point they put regular rubber sport tires on it. It ride like a dream but, Infinity offered to pay me 10K for my lease and not say anything about it. (Nissan) I was almost done with 3 years......free crappy manufacturered car. When it worked; it was fantastic. Almost never worked. You didn't talk about MPG though. 330hp and the MPG wasn't great.