New Mercedes C63 S AMG versus old C63 AMG

Mercedes-Benz India will launch an all-new C63 S AMG in the next couple of weeks and while we are totally looking forward to it, we mustn’t forget its earlier generation model codenamed W204. With its wider track and a massive 6.3-litre V8 (shared with the SLS AMG), the old C63 not only looked the part, but also delivered typical AMG thrills.

Over half a decade later, the AMG recipe remains the same albeit with a relatively smaller 4-litre V8 engine from the AMG GT S. However, the engine in the all-new C63 S AMG is backed with two turbochargers, taking the total power output to 510bhp.

In this ‘old versus new’ photo comparison, we put these cars together to see what’s still familiar and more importantly, how the C63 has evolved as a sports car-rivalling super sedan.

Front end:

Given their performance-oriented nature, both the old and the new car sport a wider track compared to the standard C-Class – something which is apparent when you view them head-on. Although the hunkered down stance is more obvious in the old C63 thanks to its heavily flared wheel arches.

The new C63 S AMG, on the other hand, mimics bigger Mercedes models with its S-Class inspired headlight design and the gaping front bumper which looks like it’s straight off an E63 AMG.

Side Profile:

The side profile of the old C63 is dominated with the wide front wings with the 6.3 AMG lettering and the five twin-spoke AMG wheels painted in titanium grey. As for the newer car, Mercedes has opted for elegant looking multi-spoke alloys and V8 Bi turbo badging. Overall, it’s the new C63 S AMG that boasts of a good blend of sportiness and elegance with its coupe-like roofline and strong character lines on the sides.

Rear end:

As for the rear-end, both the old and the new C63 look equally menacing, thanks to their quad tail pipes and the rear diffuser with the three fins. However, we still prefer the W204’s oval setup over the current model’s quadrangular pipes.

Interior:

If the exterior of the newer C63 doesn’t excite you, the interior design certainly will. Taking heavy inspiration from the AMG GT sports car, the interior of the latest-gen C63 S AMG looks thoroughly contemporary and sporty at the same time. The instrument binnacle and the 3-spoke steering wheel with 12 o’clock lend a sporty feel while the gloss black centre console and the big display on top of it exude luxury.

In comparison, the old C63 AMG’s cabin looks relatively spartan and, well, old school. The layout of the dashboard is much simpler and even the COMAND multimedia system doesn’t get much in terms of driver-oriented features.

Drivetrain:

The old C63 shared its 6.3-litre V8 with the very popular SLS AMG. Producing just over 450bhp of power, the naturally aspirated unit allowed the four-door sedan to sprint from 0-100kmph in about 4.4 seconds.

Fast forward to 2015 and the C63 S AMG now has a smaller 4-litre V8 which is closely related to that in the AMG GT sports car. Despite its lesser cubic capacity, the 4-litre V8 produces 510bhp of power, thanks to a pair of turbochargers. 100kmph from standstill now comes up in just 4 seconds and top speed is electronically restricted to 250kmph.

Either way, the C63 AMG has always been rather good at combing speed and comfort without compromising too much on practicality if you can digest the frequent tire wear and stratospheric fuel bills, that is!