After being convincingly beaten by the BMW M4 in a 1/4 mile drag race due to traction problems, the Mercedes-AMG C63 S Coupe is back, and this time going up against the new Audi RS 5, equipped with quattro all-wheel drive. The RS5 is powered by a 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 that makes 331kw/600nm, while the C63 S has the familiar 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 under the hood, good for 375kw/700nm. Despite its extra power, the R1 519 246 C63 S weighs nearly 200kgs more than the R1 285 500 RS5 (and M4 Competition). How will it fare? Cars.co.za has helped us answer this question.
Also worth a look: the Mercedes-AMG A Class and the Mercedes-AMG G Class.
FAQ
Q: Which is better between the Audi RS5 and Mercedes-AMG C63 S Coupe?
The Mercedes-AMG C63 S Coupe delivers more raw power with 375kW versus the RS5's 331kW, but the Audi RS5 offers better value at R1,285,500 compared to the C63 S at R1,519,246, plus quattro all-wheel drive for superior traction.
Q: What does the Mercedes-AMG C63 S Coupe cost in South Africa?
The Mercedes-AMG C63 S Coupe is priced at R1,519,246 in South Africa, making it nearly R234,000 more expensive than the competing Audi RS5.
Q: How much power does the Audi RS5 make compared to the C63 S?
The Audi RS5 produces 331kW and 600Nm from its 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6, while the Mercedes-AMG C63 S Coupe makes 375kW and 700Nm from its 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8.
Q: Which car is lighter between the RS5 and C63 S Coupe?
The Audi RS5 is significantly lighter, weighing nearly 200kg less than the Mercedes-AMG C63 S Coupe, which helps offset the power disadvantage in performance terms.
Q: Is the Mercedes-AMG C63 S Coupe worth buying over the RS5?
The C63 S Coupe is worth buying if you prioritise V8 sound and maximum power, but the RS5 offers better value, superior traction with quattro, and nearly R234,000 in savings for only 44kW less power.
Should You Buy It?
The best high-performance coupe under R1.3 million in SA is the Audi RS5 at R1,285,500. While the Mercedes-AMG C63 S Coupe packs more punch with its glorious V8, the RS5 delivers 90% of the performance for 85% of the price, plus you get quattro all-wheel drive that actually puts the power down properly. Unless you absolutely need that V8 soundtrack and have an extra R234,000 burning a hole in your pocket, the RS5 is the smarter buy for South African roads.
