2020 BMW M340i vs Audi S4 vs Mercedes C43 AMG // Performance Sedan Face-Off
James and Thomas take the new 2020 BMW M340i and pit it against the 2019 Audi S4 and the 2019 Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG . They all have six cylinders, and all have all-wheel drive. But the BMW is all-new, so do the other two still stand a chance? The boys explore the cars driving dynamics and what they are like to live with every day. Can the newest and meanest 3 series walk away from the competition? Exterior and interior styling comparisons help figure out which one takes it in the looks department, and the back roads do the rest. Watch to see the outcome. SUBSCRIBE!
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#BMW #Audi #Mercedes-Benz
I now understand why everyone in those C43s drive like absolute lunatics....it's to hear the exhaust :D
It's true! :)
Ye
exactly lmao i have one and its great asf
@@realradicalz5608 is it tuned?
Nope. It's most likely because they were bullied at school.
So in essence, the Mercedes has become a BMW, the BMW has become an Audi and the Audi has become a Mercedes :)
RoHunter underrated comment
RoHunter somewhat agree... lol
Sounds about accurate
RoHunter lotto
BM and Merc are just simple veterans. Audi is a volkswagen
I own the M340 and its a blast. C43 sounds better but Bmw is really fun to drive.
I just picked up a lease on the bimmer a couple days ago. Fuck it's a nice car, and it doesn't sound bad at all, love the braps on full throttle shifts and pops on decel. Maybe a tad too quiet (coming from a straight piped vette), but a bolt on exhaust past cats should do the trick without any issues since it's a lease in my case, I'll just hold onto the stock exhaust. As for comfort driving, the ZF is awesome as well. And imo it looks much better than the other 2 cars in this vid, which are a bit more "girly" looking.
dodoz44 what color did you get? I got the portimao blue they mentioned in this video. I’ll see if I can upload a video on my channel of it. The pops the car makes between shifts and when you rev it is awesome
@@Mo-qs9oc Yay, we've got the same color. It's beautiful in person :) The dealer I got it at JUST had the car arrive the day I picked it (didn't even show on their website yet), and it had almost every single option I wanted to get (except for wireless phone charging and Vernasca seats, although the new Sensatec truly feels amazing compared to what it felt like in my '16 2 series). Black 791m wheels. Gotta tint the windows soon and play around with plastidip on the wheels, maybe burnt copper for a few weeks? Btw, try folding the rear seats down, makes the exhaust sound a tiny bit louder.
dodoz44 do a video of it, I want to see what it looks like. I’ll try to post one today or tomorrow. Gotta clean the car and working on getting a camera gimbal to get steady footage.
@@dodoz44 Check out the video I put up on my page, im not a pro but shows the car lol kzhead.info/sun/f8Ouc6mSjX2XZI0/bejne.html
The badge joke intro to this Face-Off caused me to involuntarily subscribe. Well done, sirs.
Finally a video that does justice to how loud that C43 really is...💯
One of the best sounding v6 on that c43 AMG.
Best sounding computer
C43 AMG is not an AMG
umA eSports I have c43 amg. Real sound. Not write stupud things loser.
umA eSports jealous
Sounds much better than the new R6 3.0 from Mercedes.
This was the video that put me over the edge with the c43. OMG that sound, and it handles really well.
This video convinced me to get a c43 over the c300, love this channel! Brings a lot of the qualities I loved about Top Gear
Great review, as always, guys. I recently purchased one of these three after testing them. I was downsizing my 2014 Audi S6 and 2017 718 Cayman S into one car (I loved both of the previous two very much, but needed to narrow the garage at the moment). I'm a big BMW fanboy. And, while I chose the 718S over the M4 a few years back, I thought without doubt I'd get an M340i over the C43 and S4 (actually considered an S5 Sportback). After test driving the three, my opinion on all aspects of the cars is very much inline with yours. The 2019 C43 surprised me in a good way so I got it and have not looked back. Keep up the great work w/ the KZhead Channel! Cheers.
Great Review Guys!!! Two Thumbs Up!! Keep up the good work, you deserve a LOT more subscribers
I love the aggressiveness and luxury of the C43...it's a fantastic car to drive
It's fun to drive but that ride is way stiffer than you'd expect.
@@stretch90 stiffer?
@@EUNextHDx yeah, the C43 has a crazy stiff suspension and doesn't really feel like a luxury car because of it. Fun to drive tho.
Had a c43 in the family for a couple years, and the engine response tuning has got to be one of the most responsive and aggressive/violent I’ve felt. Especially in the sea of modern cars that prioritize smoothness above all else.
if you want that smoothness you'd go for the C400
why did u sell
ive had e55 back in the day, e400, audi s4 2016, and now 2019 c43 amg. by far the best ive driven too clean and legit high torque output it wont stop pulling never feels like its out of room driving at 70 then 2 gears later your doing 170
you should try a 63 then.
But it's slow and has a tacked on ipad lol
You guys are hitting it out of the park lately! Great review, that C43 looks like fun on the road!
You guys keep getting better and better with every single video release. Keep up the stellar work guys!
That C43 is such a beast. Looks so good in black
Great comparison. I have a 2018 S4 and love that it does everything well but one of the most under-rated things is that i love the feel of the shifter as opposed to the Merc's rotary dial for the nav screen. Like to rest my hand on something mechanical not computer-like.
Yeah.. I don't think Audi gave these guys the Sport package(Red Calipers) with Sport Suspension, and Rear Torque Vectoring Differential. Along with Dynamic Steering.
You can tell the passion and effort flowing into these reviews. Plus, your sense of humor really spices things up, I think :-)
The in betweeners joke was solid. You guys are awesome. Great production value, by the way. You guys level up in every video, it seems. 👍🏻
Thank you guys this is exactly what I was waiting to see!
That B58 engine is amazing. Probably one of the best and smoothest 6 cylinders.
The Audi 3.0 v6 is also amazing! Large overhead with tuning just like the b58
@Jack I've seen the B58 Tuned in the m340i to compete with an E63 which is comical.
Yup... Just map the M340i and leave the RS and AMG in the dust! B58 wins this easily!
@@KepiBryantYou can tune the M276 and EA839 in the C43 and S4 and do the same. The EA839 can easily handle more than double the factory output just like the B58.
@@PapiAndreyyou know what you are talking about. The new 3.0t is insane and can do 700whp on a hybrid turbo like the b58. B9 S4 is an underrated car
The one thing I do appreciate about bmws is the back fires. I have a 2017 bmw m240i xdrive with a Dinan high flow mid pipe. It sounds amazing and crackles and pops with every down shift. Inlines can sound great with a little work done on them.
All amazing cars. I love how Merc has taken the “german hot rod” mantra at heart, BMW has refined its vehicles keeping them fun and Audis are plain old gorgeous. And, love the videos guys!!!
Agree 100%! 👍
You guys just always review the right cars, always humorous, clever and thoughtful. Bravo!
That C43 man... one day I will have one.
I just got a 2019 c43 a few months ago and mannnn you don’t really need to worry about music in the car with that amg exhaust
the badges had me rolling 😂😂 great video!
Highly enjoyable, love you two guys "working" together. Thank You
One of the best intros ever. Laughed my ass off! Bravo!
Always happy when I see an upload from these guys funny and informative 👍🏾
check out the straightpipes guys if you like this...
They are not funny at all.
@@mimaz7155 nice opinion
@@Taybrenn Nah. They are just silly.
"Feels like slapping someone in the face everytime it upshifts" 😂😂 That's a very unique observation 😄
You guys are doing a fantastic job. Great reviews!!! Big fan from Puerto Rico
Thanks guys, this review pushed me to buy a C43 over the others or something else a couple years ago. No regrets. I’m still excited to drive it every day.
I’m debating between the C43 or M340i
@@CristianAlvarez-fw6xk u do compromise a lil bit of quality built in the Merc but it's an absolute lunatic kinda like a mini 4 door muscle car frm Germany the bmw is a car guy's car who loves to DRIVE bmw hands down has the most playful drive train, most performance oriented built chassis /frame its the only one that 50/50 weight distributed so if y really like to push to the limits yet nit compromise on quality of the built 3 serious is fr u
@@CristianAlvarez-fw6xkwhat did you get?! I’m debating bewteeen the two as well lol
@@grandmastagrimm8773 Honestly, I’d say the M340i is the one to go for. I considered a C43 AMG also but I just feel the driving dynamics are so much better on the M340i, even with xDrive (standard here in the UK). More aggressive engine than C43 AMG esp with sport plus and shifter to the left. Just feels ready to jump. Interior cabin is sturdier too - no engine rattle! Suspension is firmer than I expected even with adaptive suspension or on comfort, but for me I like a sportier feel. But ultimately, test drive both! Sometimes you just fall in love with a car and who knows, you might enjoy the C43 AMG more. I just know that generally after test driving an M340i people tend to be sold hahaha!
Please do the 2018/2019 S5 coupe and direct rivals. If you're in the states Ill lend you mine!
Who needs TopGear when we have Throttle House? Excellent job guys, thoroughly enjoyed the video
VoloKin Project thanks buddy!
Who needs Top Gear full stop
This is better than top gear
Such good quality content and honest opinions. Great work!!!
Thanks!
I love the Mercedes amg cars. They sound sooo good. Wether it’s a v6 or v8, they both sound amazing. Love those pops and bangs
Awesome Colours too! The BMW m340 has the same colour as my G20 colour Tanzanite Blue II metallic. NICE!
Worth the wait fellas great video like always u guys always deliver like the milk man when pops is working out of state 😂😂😂
I rarely post comments on KZhead videos, but thanks Thomas and James. I committed to 3 years in a stage 1 FiST at 45. On the strength of your review just replaced the FiST with a '19 C43. Fantastic car.
you guys are hilarious. love the channel. love the cars. love the vibezz!
Damn! Just came across your channel and I HAVE SUBSCRIBED!! You guys a hilarious. Amazing banter & great reviews!
Welcome!
I kno right I like them
Great video guys!
Great video! Loved the comparison.
Great review guys keep them coming! Oh yeah next add a drag race between the cars to
5:09 (farts)...”sounds a lot better” Lol
😂😂😂
Bro how did you find this
these are pops not farts
@@dakheelalmutairi2715 no they're farts
LoL
2017 C43 owner checked in... It's a great car, I wanted a C63 at the first place but this is fast enough for me, the Twin turbo V6 is the best V6 sound I ever heard. I live in a state that has a lot of snow during the year so 43 is more practical for me as a part time family car.
I think I am in the same situation you were in. I would prefer the C63 (2013 as newer model years are out of budget), but I think the C43 would be a great consolation pick. I live in Pittsburgh so the AWD would also be a plus.
Great video, really insightful on all 3 cars!
Mat - love your cheery disposition and can-do attitude. Your S5 is looking sick! Love the wrap. Great video. Respect! Yeah .. I had to go a little Ali G :)
Rocking it to new heights...congrats boys!
Was bored for today but saw the notification. Ty for the video
Love your user name hahah
Din Mulaosmanovic had several more but took the simplest one :p
nice user name, great interpretation. lol
@@dins.garage Bring Me Women is the correct one
Dude this video edits so cool amazing video thanks for this video😊
That C43 is something else. I love it!
Absolutely jealous that you guys get to drive all these cars back to back, great review as always. When can we expect to see a supercar review?
Hopefully soon!
could go to the dealerships on the same day to drive back to back to back lol
Really super review, as for the guys, who have no idea, what are these cars for! ))) Of course, seats, leather and multimedia highest essense for these saloons! ))))))))) And how perfectly they revealed a performance of these!!! just great - acceleration, handling, overall dynamics! ))))
Ikr
I gotta say my family owns an s4 and like you said as an everyday driver and commuting to work or on very long distance drives it just cannot be beat. That being said it always shocks me with the power and handling. It feels like I’m driving a train on the road. I haven’t had the privilege of driving those other two cars but the s4 is an absolutely fantastic contender
I have an Audi A6 3.0 TDI and it is such a smooth car. It is a perfect daily. I would have gotten an S4 if I didn't already have an A6.
I've owned a (pulley swapped/tuned) B8.5 for the last five years and while I'm ready to move on to something else, it's been a great, great car to me. I'd never owned an automatic in my life until this car, and only ended up buying it due to scarcity of proper spec manuals, but the DSG was excellent, and surprised me. The Drive select dampers in my car definitely make the car quite harsh, I'm not sure if the B9 is generally softer, but I was a bit surprised to hear that. Given the move away from manual/DSG to a conventional auto only is another sign that the S4 is more about comfort than anything else though, and I was sad to see it go. Ultimately, for the same price as a new S4, I'm buying an RS3, I'll take the interior size penalty, I'll deal with haldex over true quattro, because it's fast as hell, understated, and sounds incredible. If the S4 is going to keep getting softer it's time they bring the RS4 back to North America, the RS5 Sportback is cool but I just want an excessively fast, boring looking sedan that non car people don't look twice at.
B.C. it is incredible that the rs3 is comparable in price to the s4, it’s one hell of a car for the money, you will definitely enjoy it!
M340i smokes it for power and handling.
How does Throttle House only have 291k subscribers? These guys are awesome.
I miss the days when the badges were real. Like 330 is a 3.0 I6 ...
Well the badge is now more like a model number which it is. Get on with it, move on. Things are way too complicated in the engine bay then it was before. What did you want it to say 3.0LturboZF8spdawdblue?
@@NBASFAN Calm down
Just like when an AMG C63 was a 6.3 liter? Now it's a 4.0. Times change. The badges are real in the sense of a model. Yes, I used to enjoy looking at a 330 knowing it was a model 3 with the 3 liter. But now I enjoy researching the cars deeper to see what might be lurking under the hood.
nthnkng33 you’re right. I like learning and researching cars deeper. The C63 was a 6.2 V8. Mercedes marketed it as a 6.3
Yeah but hard to name for all these models sadly because in what way are you gonna badge all the different same engine turbos... Only thing i despise is when the base level car is already misbadged. An A180 is an A130 after all...
0:41 proper audi bmw and mercedes parking already 😂
When you buy of those you buy the right to park like an absolute asshole. The bigger the car, the bigger the hole. You can't beat X6 owners, they are the scum of the heart when it comes to parking.
Ikr
FNDG1 dont forget range rovers .......
It for camera... try to park normally and you can see nothing..
campkira whoooosh
Ok but we can all agree that James should be getting sponsorship money from Superdry at this point.
25 minute review. Conclusion: you can't go wrong 😂
I have a C43 2018 & I agree with your comments. It's a fun car. It feels so much more than it is. Lots of theater.
Yeeeeesssa fellas! Been waiting for this one :-)
You know I gotta be honest... I wasn't too sure about you guys but I like people that don't take things too seriously and this intro cracked me up. Keep it up guys. Clicking that SUBSCRIBE button.
You guys really do fantastic reviews!
Monster of the... In betweener got me so good! Well played Thomas. Had to rewind that a few times.
M340i is a beast. . Dynamic as hell.
@Toast why so
Square tables are soo far from dynamic😂
Its mighty fine
Yes, it's way better than C43
@@chiranthanmr in what way? 340i looks bad vs c43..340i interior is 5 levels under c43..exterior 340i is like a 316d..table shape vs c43 coupe..engine is weaker vs c43..340i sounds like shit vs c43..in what 340i is way better?
Oh my god, you can see that BMW has a laser warning sticker in the assembly unit! A death ray!
Very Exciting hearing about the C43 Im sure that @autovlog would like that. The pops are in the C43
Great video. I just bought a c43 coupe on 7/1. Absolutely love it! Anyone in the market should at least put it on their short list and test drive it.
I did too, love the car
Why on earth the first part about "fake badge" just make me laugh and make my day. I like it! Ps. I love Audi S4, though.
I have the 2019 c43 and i love it, that little smile you guys had on the upshift, i have it every day. I love it.
THIS HELPED SOOOOO MUCH
Great review guys I enjoy this video thanks
Give all 3 to the Canadian Stig on the track!! Great review as always.
I know the M340i is my pick of the bunch
mickor go check your eyes
Wait for m3
Same.
@@sadimedreob4586 please say that again and again and again, and if money is an issue, we can help fundraise for some tentative laser sight..
I’d have the bmw, but it is getting worse on looks. Not the worst looking 3 series because the e90 is, but I can’t stand that grill on the new one.
I like the dual commentary in 1 car vs you each in 1 car.
better and better each time gents, keep it up
As much as I absolutely adore the M340i, I have to give it to Mercedes for that sound, that C43 just sounds absolutely AMG-ish mental.
Nope, doesn't sound like an amg. Sounds like a muffled v6 with silly pops. The NA version of the engine sounds better
@@h2oaddict28 yeah sounds like GT-R and that's much more exotic than classic Amg sound
@@burakacar2854 guessing you never heard them in person?
This squabbling over engine sound so juvenile and irrelevant.
I own a 2018 C43 AMG and I smile everytime I put the car into sport plus and listen to the exhaust 😁😁😁 Also with a stage 1 tune this thing is a monster!
Finally a comparison I wanted to see for a long time. I like all of them, the design, the engines just everyting. But I think the best Infotainment is in the BMW right now. I also dont like the new round exhaust tips of the AMG, I liked the old ones better. Overall a wonderfull review and an awesome edited Video.
ugh I hate my pre facelift tips on my 43.
@@IhateKZhead just do a diffuser/exhaust tip swap. It's basically the same bumper cover as the preface lift.
@@johnny02128 that was the plan. I haven't seen any tip swap packages yet for the quad rounds just the c63 tips. Once they hit the market I plan to swap them over for sure!
@@IhateKZhead I wonder if it would be overkill for my C400 haha
@@johnny02128 Nope, if you like the way they look I say do it! :)
My 2019 C43 sound and dynamics put a smile on my face and all my passengers every time. Also this c43 in the vid is base spec. I have red leather and ash black open pore wood.. no creak at all in the middle trim area. You can go all the way up to carbon fiber and amg performance seats if you want to on the 43.
excellent review, thanks guys!
I'd be very tempted by the C43 AMG but I think that fun but silly exhaust note and the harsher ride would grow old as a daily driver. I also never really fell in love with the shape of the current C-class. BMW looks sleeker to me and it's probably slightly faster, more comfortable, and I love the silky smooth straight-6 so the Bimmer would be my choice.
There’s an optional exhaust switch which was on in the video. When the C43 is in comfort mode it’s exhaust note is very quiet without the loud crackle.
With the valves closed it feels like a C300. It’s a great car, I absolutely love it.
im very big fan of MERCEDES for years but now in this class im agree with you
I test drove 2020 s5, 2020 m340i and 2020 C43 coupe and frankly all 3 suspension ride similar. Maybe MB tune c43 to be a little softer for 2020. In the end I took 2020 C43 coupe home because its has way better performance than Audi and BMW. C43 feels more like a real sport car. Try it for yourself.
@@user-jf6fs7ko4j As a valet driver, before the world ended, I've actually driven all of these cars several times since my initial comment. I obviously haven't driven them at proper speed but I got a general feel for all of them over bumps and dips and heard the exhaust notes. The Audi felt like the best calm cruiser with its light steering, quiet exhaust, very well damped ride, and smooth drivetrain. It also felt like the highest quality interior although the Merc and BMW are also very high quality. I could see how the Audi would be a bit boring though. The Merc felt the most sporty even driving at like 30 mph. Steering was quick and direct, the ride was stiffer than the others but still very livable as you alluded to, and the exhaust and drivetrain felt way more aggresive than the others. The BMW kinda split the difference between the Audi and Merc on everything except I feel like the BMW had the best steering feel and probably the smoothest engine. I'd probably still lean BMW because it seems like the best balance of the Audi and Merc and I like the looks the best. Anyways, congrats on buying that beast of a Merc! Wish I could afford these cars rn lol
I own a 2020 M340 and work for BMW, so I drive 330’s all day as well. There is a gigantic difference between the two. The 330 is great, but there is a stark difference. Go and open up the M340 on a track or autocross course and you will see, it is beyond phenomenal. Will give many higher end sport cars a run for their money. Apart from that, great review.
Great review, Audi S4 please! Plus, they listen to Steel Panther!
It's nice coming back to watch this and seeing James slowly fall for the S4
I purchased c43 amg and have absolutely love this machine it has the power and the looks to match.
How is it driving around in comfort mode people say it’s jerky is that true
Face off of the sporty daily drivers! Thanks for doing this one, guys. I'll refer back to it when I can afford one of these in 5-10 years, lol
Nice review guys, thanks!
Best comparison ever!
17:46 from the front, the c43s' rear-view mirror looks like a smiley face. Once you see it...
Not just mentioning how those feel more sporty and sound good compared to the normal models, I think the review should've included actual track records of those three cars.
Great video keep up the great content
The intro was hilarious 😂😂😂😂
I just picked up a 2020 M340i in Dravit Grey Metallic and can tell you it was worth every penny. I did upgrade the mirrors to the M Performance Carbon Fiber mirrors and plan on doing an upgrade to the grille as well. What they don't know is that the Cerium Grey Grille stains very quickly
Did u also drive 330i ? If so can u tell the difference?
340 is more than a second faster to 100km hr
@@audiophilemetallian I did but I drove the M340i first. Honestly the M340i is a total beast compared to the 330i. It sounded great too inside although it was piped in. I honestly felt this review was biased.
Ashok teja yes That is why I asked
330i g20 is 2.0 turbo 4 cilinder M340 turbo 6 cilinder
Awesome vid guys. I choose the c43 over these two and could not be happier. Best sounding v6 by far :)
Alfa Romeo 2.9. l tt v6 is one of the best .but then yes ,the c43 is more affordable
Great review men. I have a 2018 RS5. Great looking car however I have two dislikes, the transmission and the display which sticks up. My previous S3 I could press a button and it disappeared. Anyway........keep up the great videos.
Awesome video as usual. Please also review 2021 m550i vs S6 vs Amg E53
Getting ready to turn in a C43 on a three-year lease and am switching to the Audi S4, having owned A4s in the past. The C43 is a rocket, no doubt, but it really comes down to how much of a charge to you get out of letting that exhaust pop and snap in Sport mode. Also, the steering is better, heavier .. solid. And I had the Coupe with really heavy doors. All that said, the Audi has a classier interior, feels better put together, and you get less attention .. which can be a good or bad thing, depending on your nature. These cars are all so intentionally designed to compete with one another that there is no glaring 'best' choice.
Someone close to me had an older S4... proved to be a really great car! I test drove an AMG C32 long ago. It was definitely faster than my E46 (which I love), but frankly I think I would have taken the Audi. To me the C32's engine really lacked the refinement of the BMW.
what 'attention' do you get with a c43? i had a 63 and one of the things about it is it doesn't visibly stand out from the rest of the mercedes c class lines as it passes by.
@@davec8730 I get your point and the AMG cars aren't exotics or even like driving a 911. But the Audi has a slightly lower profile than the C class AMGs, particularly the 43 or 63 coupe. The AMG is flashier, less conservative, and draws more of a macho, insecure reaction from other rockhead male drivers wanting to pass or challenge you. Or maybe I just became a bigger jerk when I got that car .. always a distinct possibility. Anyway, I ended up buying a Chevy truck instead.
@@ocan1033 i've had both the 911 and the c63. the 911 was the more 'all round' sports supercar, but the c63 more brutal. the 911 was all wheel drive and more sure footed than the standard 911. but on the shabby roads around here the 63 when in 'sport plus' and heavy acceleration went along like skimming a stone over a pond, it touched the road every now and then, which was far from reassuring.
@@davec8730 I used 'sport plus' mode only a handful of times when I had that car. But you can't really put the AMG cars in the same category as a 911 as far as handling goes. I see them more as a kind of muscle car. They handle adequately but aren't going to corner or hold like the Porsche. What does the 911 cost now? Factoring for depreciation and heavy snowfall this year, I'm content with my truck.
One of my top favorite automotive review channels. ThrottleHouse, Savagegeese, AlexOnAutos, MotoManTV and honorable mentions to RedlineReviews, TFL & TheStraightPipes.
never saw alexonautos, but savagegeese is by far the best of the rest
I generally agree. TH is right up there. I'd love them to do a fusion episode with Straight Pipes, who are also excellent (and also in the Toronto area). Geese is in his own league/category. TFL has been disappointing me lately. I'd give honorable mentions to Everyday Driver and Driven. But do check out Track aTime TV. That guy is amazing.
@@jimettamarna417 - Oh yeah, I do love watching 'Driven' with Tom as well. 👍
Really nice video bro!
that was a great video guys thank you