2017 CLA45 AMG vs M4

[M3ZING]

Im going to purchase a new daily but cant decide between these two, first of all where i live roads are terrible, second of all theres alot of traffic jam, third is that i want to order a CLA but if its an ///M ill likely buy it lightly used 2000-3000km for the same price.

What would you choose? My purpose is that the CLA in my case is better because its awd, and it has the same 0-60 time of the M4 which is 4.1 seconds.... The m4 is likely better to drive in terms of fun.. And dont be biased

[Carl L]

The 2 liter AMG engine is superb, 188 bhp/liter yet maintains responsiveness. That said, 0-60 is the only area the two cars are close. When rolling the M3/4 obliterates the 45-series cars and the same goes for the on the track.

Now, if often in wet or very cold weather the 45 will certainly transmit its power better, but seems you're in Saudi where I don't believe it rains all that often.

Both are really good cars, with plus power, braking and handling. New vs new I'd go the M3/4 all day, but given you're picking custom ordered vs used Id go with the 45.

[NorCal f80]

both cars performance similar so just comes down to looks maybe ? cla is one ugly machine . the rear slope

[dkhm3]

I've heard only bad things about the dct in the cla and the gla. they've improved it, but it is still no Getrag dct or PDK.

I've read that the merc tranny will sometimes not respond and the shifts are not consistent. which would annoy the hell out of me. engine, tranny, and handling take a lot of precedence to me to the driving experience.

test drive one and see for yourself.

[euro*]

Originally Posted by 0-100 ninja real quick

both cars performance similar so just comes down to looks maybe ? cla is one ugly machine . the rear slope

totally agree, the styling never grew on me, the more i see it, the worse it looks. Plus it looks so tiny compared to the m4, i imagine m4 would be more practical.

[nlpamg]

I have a 2014 CLA45 AMG. Once my M3 comes back from ED, it will be gone.

There is no comparison between the two. The M3 has way more power and is much more fun to drive. The CLA45's FWD bias (I leave mine on 50/50 fr/r all the time though) is horrific.

Also, it is not a dependable car, I have had a number of issues with it and would not recommend it.

[F80Dreamer]

OP, I had the same debate and ended up with the M3. CLA was too cramped inside, not great fit/finish, poor transmission, and way too stiff for everyday use.

[CrazyWitness]

LOL it is not even M4 vs C63S, CLA45 not compatible to M4, it is cheap AMG car for someone who couldn't afford real AMG...
Also even M4 vs C63S most of the people on this forum will prefer M4 all over AMG.

[M3ZING]

Originally Posted by CrazyWitness

LOL it is not even M4 vs C63S, CLA45 not compatible to M4, it is cheap AMG car for someone who couldn't afford real AMG...
Also even M4 vs C63S most of the people on this forum will prefer M4 all over AMG.

And what do you drive? A Bugatti Chiron?

[nlpamg]

Originally Posted by M3ZING

And what do you drive? A Bugatti Chiron?

lol, right?

[CrazyWitness]

Originally Posted by M3ZING

And what do you drive? A Bugatti Chiron?

2017 M3 ZCP

But the thing is you over pay for CLA 45, with it interior (price is too high for this type of the car) also when I was test driving GLA45 4matic, 4matic overheated and computer tuned off it most of the time...

[doberzus]

I'll just leave this here. Stock M4(tune off) vs tuned A45(100-200lbs lighter than CLA)

You need sticky tires, warm temps, and a brain to get sub-4 second 0-60s. It's a roll car. The CLA is boring to drive unless your doing launches in the wet/cold. If all you want to do is be fast from a dig, get the CLA.

Completely different cars.

[ASAP]

wot m8?

[OhioRiderAaron]

Really they're not even close in total package. The CLA/GLA are nice vehicles on their own, but shouldn't be compared to the M3/4, ATSV sedans. To me they feel like a last-generation interior and chassis development. Plus, until you get into "boost" they're pretty gutless and slow. Oh, and they understeer quite a bit which is no fun. However, I will admit I have not driven the MMC with the improved transmission, suspension, and engine. If the cost was $8-10k less, I'm onboard, but going into the $60k+ range is insane for what you're getting.

If you're serious about getting the CLA/GLA45, then definitely try and do a test drive on the same day as the M3/4 or other performance vehicle. I think that'll be enough for you to decide!

[Rubiconbob]

I have driven both and considered a cla45 amg. Previously I owned an e92 m3, and am trading in a c450 amg sport tomorrow (terrible car) and accepting delivery of a 2017 M3.

For me, I needed a MT which rules out the CLA45, but I have to admit that the little CLA was really fun to drive. The engine was quick, exhaust note was intense, and the transmission was sharp. As quick as a PDK? No, but it was much more fun than say an S4. The interior quality wasn't great and it's noticeable smaller. You have to credit MBs engine/exhaust noise with turbos, they seem to have it figured out.

I think cla45 amg vs M2 is a fairer comparison, or cla45 vs c63. Compare class differences within a brand (cla vs c class) or classes between brands (cla45 vs m2 or C63 vs m4), but going cross class and cross brand doesn't make sense. It seems like you have to better clarify what your looking for in a car...

Consider an M2 for sure, it's going to be a classic.

[996ttelise]

I generally like Mercedes, but the CLA is not a good quality car. The interior and the ride are not good at all and these things are prone to have issues.

[Topspeed]

I have a CLA45 AMG for the last 2 years which I use as my DD. Its perfect for me since it has AWD and more than adequate power and a very good interior with great options.
Its not as comfortable as my M235I but its definitely quicker and handles just as good. The interior is way better on the CLA45, but the the DCT is pretty shitty compared to the 8 speed on the M235I.

You really cant compare it to an M3/4

[mad chemist]

Originally Posted by doberzus

I'll just leave this here. Stock M4(tune off) vs tuned A45(100-200lbs lighter than CLA)

You need sticky tires, warm temps, and a brain to get sub-4 second 0-60s. It's a roll car. The CLA is boring to drive unless your doing launches in the wet/cold. If all you want to do is be fast from a dig, get the CLA.

Completely different cars.

Sorry, but no way is that A45 AMG running 450 crank HP. More likely just over 400.

Still, I would not try go up against one from a dig.

[XsltAnalyst]

Originally Posted by M3ZING

Im going to purchase a new daily but cant decide between these two, first of all where i live roads are terrible, second of all theres alot of traffic jam, third is that i want to order a CLA but if its an ///M ill likely buy it lightly used 2000-3000km for the same price.

What would you choose? My purpose is that the CLA in my case is better because its awd, and it has the same 0-60 time of the M4 which is 4.1 seconds.... The m4 is likely better to drive in terms of fun.. And dont be biased

If the roads are terrible and you spend a lot of time in traffic, then why not get a Land Cruiser / MB GLS or similar SUV? Your signature already says RS6 and C7...

[bloke79]

Have you considered the RS3? Sedan and IMO a much better looking car than the CLA.

I've got the S3 Sedan as the second car and love it (it's got an APR tune making the same sort of power as the CLA - 283kw). They've got a much better transmission too as well as the active displays.

Honestly though - from a driving experience perspective, the M4 will feel a lot more special than either the CLA or RS3.

I'm a big fan of owning from new though

[LOLcakes]

Originally Posted by bloke79

Have you considered the RS3? Sedan and IMO a much better looking car than the CLA.

When does OP need the new car? Because I'm guessing it'll be another 5-6 months until they start popping up in showrooms and a little longer for the first deliveries.

Plus they already have a RS6, so... mix things up a bit

[M3ZING]

Originally Posted by XsltAnalyst

If the roads are terrible and you spend a lot of time in traffic, then why not get a Land Cruiser / MB GLS or similar SUV? Your signature already says RS6 and C7...

Yeah i sold mine, its a really good car and never had any problems with it but it felt heavy and non sporty even though its lighting fast and i wanted something smaller and sportier