Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Saloon vs Porsche 718 Spyder
Compare the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Saloon vs Porsche 718 Spyder. The Porsche 718 Spyder is £6,000 cheaper. The Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Saloon is 0.4s quicker to 60mph. The Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Saloon is more fuel efficient. Full performance, cost & ownership breakdown.
The Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Saloon is priced from £55,000, powered by a 4.0L Twin-Turbo V8, producing 503 hp, with 700 Nm of torque, reaching 0-62 mph in 4 s, a top speed of 180 mph, sent to the road via rear-wheel drive. The Porsche 718 Spyder is priced from £80,000, powered by a 4.0L Flat-6, producing 414 hp, with 420 Nm of torque, reaching 0-62 mph in 4.4 s, a top speed of 187 mph, sent to the road via rear-wheel drive.
The Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Saloon offers a 435-litre boot, folding rear seats, runs on petrol, returns around 26 mpg, is covered by a 3 years / unlimited miles (original UK new-car cover) warranty. The Porsche 718 Spyder offers a 150-litre boot, a usable front boot, runs on petrol, returns around 25 mpg, is covered by a 3 years / unlimited miles (original UK new-car cover) warranty.
On cost of ownership, the Porsche 718 Spyder is £6,000 cheaper than its rival, the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Saloon costs less in annual maintenance (£1,100 versus £1,200), the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Saloon is the more fuel-efficient choice, the Porsche 718 Spyder has 64 L fuel tank.
Driving Character: Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Saloon vs Porsche 718 Spyder
The W205 facelift C 63 S Saloon combines a 375 kW V8 with rear-wheel drive. Its MCT gearbox uses a wet start-off clutch. Adaptive damping and an electronic rear differential support its performance character. This entry represents the petrol V8 saloon.
The Porsche 718 Spyder offers a purist’s approach to roadster dynamics, retaining the naturally aspirated 4.0-litre flat-six and a manual gearbox for maximum engagement. The mid-engine layout provides exceptional balance, allowing the driver to feel every nuance through the steering wheel. Its handling is defined by a lightness of touch that differentiates it from the heavier convertible segments, making it exceptionally agile on winding backroads. While it shares much with the GT4, the open-top configuration adds an extra layer of sensory connection, making it an incredibly visceral and rewarding machine for the true enthusiast.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Saloon — 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 and rear-wheel drive; the Porsche 718 Spyder — 4.0L naturally aspirated flat-six; provides linear throttle response and classic mechanical character. Characteristic of the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Saloon: Nine-speed MCT gearbox and electronically controlled rear differential. For the Porsche 718 Spyder: Mid-engine balance; exceptional handling precision through tight cornering and technical road sections. In outright terms it is 503 hp against 414 — a 89 hp gap — and the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Saloon reaches 60 mph 0.4s sooner.
Interior & Cabin: Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Saloon vs Porsche 718 Spyder
The cabin follows the W205 dashboard layout. It uses a separate central infotainment display and centre-console controls. Trim and seat specifications depend on equipment. Portrait MBUX and W206 hybrid descriptions have been removed.
The cabin remains strictly driver-focused, with Alcantara accents on the contact points and a simplified dashboard layout that emphasises function over technology. Lightweight door pulls and minimal luxuries maintain the stripped-back, enthusiast spirit of the Spyder. Because of the manual roof mechanism, interior storage is at a premium, and the cabin environment can be quite noisy when the top is up. The seats are excellent for long-distance support, but the overall feeling is one of purposeful simplicity, catering to those who prefer the tactile interaction of a pure sports car over digital sophistication.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Saloon — Four-door W205 cabin with separate central display; the Porsche 718 Spyder — Driver-focused dashboard; clean layout emphasises essential instrumentation and tactile feedback. Characteristic of the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Saloon: Facelift instrument and steering-wheel controls; equipment varies by car. For the Porsche 718 Spyder: Quality material finishing; interior surfaces are durable enough for daily open-top use.
Daily Usability: Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Saloon vs Porsche 718 Spyder
The UK specification lists a 435-litre boot. The four-door body supports daily passenger use. This V8 model has no plug-in charging or electric-only mode.
As the lightest member of the 718 family, the Spyder is remarkably nimble in urban settings, though the manual roof operation requires significant effort and patience compared to power-operated rivals. The dual trunks—front and rear—provide decent storage for a weekend getaway, which remains its primary use case. The ride is firm, though manageable, and it lacks the daily convenience of power-folding roof mechanisms, reinforcing its role as a machine to be driven intentionally. It is not an ideal city car, but for the enthusiast driver, it offers the perfect balance of roadster freedom and mid-engine practicality.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Saloon — Five-seat saloon layout and 435-litre boot; the Porsche 718 Spyder — Front trunk availability; allows for usable storage alongside the rear compartment space. Characteristic of the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Saloon: 11.8-metre turning circle in the UK brochure. For the Porsche 718 Spyder: Compact 4379 mm length; provides high agility for navigating dense urban traffic. that means 435 litres of boot space against 150, plus a usable front boot in the Porsche 718 Spyder, and everyday running costs that favour the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Saloon at the pumps.
Ownership: Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Saloon vs Porsche 718 Spyder
This is a petrol V8 ownership profile. Hybrid battery warranty and electric-range claims do not apply. Existing price history is retained for the separate pricing review.
As the final naturally aspirated flat-six Boxster variant, the 718 Spyder holds a special place in the Porsche hierarchy, which has helped sustain strong residual values. Ownership is backed by the comprehensive Porsche dealer network, ensuring that maintenance is straightforward and well-documented. Parts and support for the 718 platform remain easy to obtain, though the limited production run means that Spyder-specific aesthetic components may become increasingly difficult to replace over time. It is a reliable, high-value ownership proposition that rewards careful maintenance and consistent usage throughout the warmer months of the year.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Saloon — Mercedes-Benz servicing and AMG component support; the Porsche 718 Spyder — Strong enthusiast demand; Porsche brand reputation supports excellent resale price stability. Characteristic of the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Saloon: Confirm service history, tyres and brake specification on the individual car. For the Porsche 718 Spyder: Reliable powertrain design; maintenance intervals are predictable and well-documented by specialists. On the wallet the two diverge at £55,000 versus £80,000 — a £25,000 difference, with annual maintenance of £1,100 against £1,200.