Bimmerpost
3
/
4 Series
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
2019+ BMW 3 AND 4-SERIES FORUMS (G2x Generation) General G20 Sedan / G22 Coupe / G26 Gran Coupe Discussions How does the new CLA45 S compared to the M340i?

Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      04-03-2020, 11:49 PM   #1
TrollingCavalier
Private
39
Rep
76
Posts

Drives: 535i & x5 40i
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: Ontario

iTrader: (0)

How does the new CLA45 S compared to the M340i?

BIMMERPOST
     Featured on BIMMERPOST.com
The C43 isn't really a worthy opponent for the M340i, so how about the new CLA45 S?

They're about the same price - around $75k CAD, loaded. Performance is similar too. The 384hp M340i does 0 - 100kmh in 4.3s while the 416hp CLA45 S does it in 4.0s.

If you could choose between these two, which one would you pick?

edit: sh1t just realized there is no cla45s in NA (benz why???????)
The one I am talking about is actually the base 2o20 cla45 amg, the one without the s.

Last edited by TrollingCavalier; 04-04-2020 at 02:11 PM..
Appreciate 0
      04-04-2020, 02:19 AM   #2
NoTanks52
Private First Class
110
Rep
186
Posts

Drives: M340i
Join Date: Dec 2019
Location: Los Angeles, CA

iTrader: (0)

I can’t get over how poorly shaped the CLA is. Whoever designed that must have been high on cough syrup.

Both are fast cars - I personally like how the M340i looks much better. Ultimately up to the buyer tho. Drive both and see how they feel. I avoided test driving the Mercedes so I can’t really compare the two.
Appreciate 0
      04-04-2020, 04:30 AM   #3
Antec800
Lieutenant
128
Rep
462
Posts

Drives: 340i x drive
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Michigan

iTrader: (0)

The 4 cyl sounds awful.
Appreciate 2
      04-04-2020, 06:26 AM   #4
Burrcold
Brigadier General
5045
Rep
3,871
Posts

Drives: 2024 BMW M3 Comp xDrive
Join Date: Oct 2019
Location: Toronto, Canada

iTrader: (0)

Why is the C43 not a worthy competitor to the M340i? It's more closely related to the 3 Series than the CLA is. Are the 0 to 60 times the only thing you're looking at?
Appreciate 3
stein_325i25051.00
Fuller1216.50
      04-04-2020, 07:05 AM   #5
hans007
Major
605
Rep
1,077
Posts

Drives: 2020 BMW M340i
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Los Angeles, CA

iTrader: (0)

its their economy platform with basically the most awesome 4 cylinder on the planet, though again still a 4 cylinder with matching sound. I didn't even consider it compared to the m340i.... I mean if they come out with a 375hp version of the m235 grancoupe I wouldn't consider it either.

I did test drive a C450 a few years ago and know the C43 should at least be in the ballpark with the M340i.
Appreciate 0
      04-04-2020, 07:39 AM   #6
wtwo3
Major General
wtwo3's Avatar
17864
Rep
5,462
Posts

Drives: 23 X7 40i; 23 M3; 24 cooper s
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: IL

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
I actually like the look of the CLA.

My issues with it however are the following:

4 cylinders.... No matter how advanced 4 cylinders become, they're not as balanced and smooth as a good old 6 cylinder motor.

Front Wheel Bias.... Although it's an AWD 4matic setup, it's front wheeled bias which naturally tends towards understeer.

Interior Quality.... As an entry level model, the interior quality and materials are compromised compared to a c class or a 3 series.
__________________
2023 BMW X7 xDrive40i
2023 BMW M3 6MT
2024 Mini Cooper S Convertible

'20 BMW m340i... '20 BMW X5 40i... '16 Infiniti Q50 RS 400... '10 Lexus RX 350... '08 Lexus IS 350... '00 Nissan Maxima... '93 Nissan Maxima
Appreciate 0
      04-04-2020, 08:33 AM   #7
SteveinArizona
Brigadier General
United_States
3086
Rep
4,210
Posts

Drives: BMW 530e
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Greater Phoenix

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Burrcold View Post
Why is the C43 not a worthy competitor to the M340i? It's more closely related to the 3 Series than the CLA is. Are the 0 to 60 times the only thing you're looking at?
I agree that the comparison is not fair. The BMW analog to the CLA is the new fwd 2 series (I gag when I say it). The CLA is a cheap car with a big engine. The C 43 is the correct comparison.

I don't understand why anyone would buy either of the FWD small cars. At that point there are many much less expensive competitors and there is nothing really special about either car.
Appreciate 1
Fuller1216.50
      04-04-2020, 08:41 AM   #8
NewM3driver
Colonel
1108
Rep
2,008
Posts

Drives: 2017 M3 ZCP
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: CT

iTrader: (0)

I think you should buy the Mercedes.
Appreciate 0
      04-04-2020, 11:14 AM   #9
TrollingCavalier
Private
39
Rep
76
Posts

Drives: 535i & x5 40i
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: Ontario

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Burrcold View Post
Why is the C43 not a worthy competitor to the M340i? It's more closely related to the 3 Series than the CLA is. Are the 0 to 60 times the only thing you're looking at?
When it comes to these performance cars, 0 - 60 time is definitely a huge factor to consider. But I am not saying that is it is all I look at. The exterior of the c43 feels old, the interior is not outstanding either. Plus as we all know, the handling of the c43 definitely not gonna be as good as the m340i. I don't really see why would I pick a c43 over m340i.

On the other hand, the all-new cla45s has a really aggressive exterior with a decent interior. (Performance is also good for a 4-cylinder) So that's why for me personally, I would choose between cla45s and m340i instead of c43s and m340i.
Appreciate 0
      04-04-2020, 11:22 AM   #10
TrollingCavalier
Private
39
Rep
76
Posts

Drives: 535i & x5 40i
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: Ontario

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by NoTanks52 View Post
I can’t get over how poorly shaped the CLA is. Whoever designed that must have been high on cough syrup.

Both are fast cars - I personally like how the M340i looks much better. Ultimately up to the buyer tho. Drive both and see how they feel. I avoided test driving the Mercedes so I can’t really compare the two.
I haven't test drive a cla45s yet, I doubt there is any in the dealer rn.
But I highly suspect that m340i would beat the f out of cla45s in terms of handling.

The thing is, I don't really like the exterior m340i. The new 3 series looks good, but for m340i I expect it to have a more invasive and sporty exterior because it is a more sporty version of the regular 3 series.
TBH, 330i and m340i looks nearly identical, except that bronze looking grill and the vertical intake thingy. (Plus the exhaust)

cla45s is different. I could instantly tell it is different than any regular cla because of the aerodynamic package.
Appreciate 0
      04-04-2020, 11:57 AM   #11
EXE46
Lieutenant Colonel
EXE46's Avatar
United_States
2097
Rep
1,531
Posts

Drives: 2020 M340i RWD Aka New E39 M5
Join Date: Jun 2019
Location: State of Dystopia

iTrader: (0)

Impressive stats for a 4 cylinder and rumor has it next gen C43/C63 will also utilize 4 cylinder turbos along with hybrid motors. I am curious to see how that pans out. 4 cylinder kills excitement for me..
__________________
Prior's: E36, E46 x2
Appreciate 0
      04-04-2020, 12:32 PM   #12
Mavus
Colonel
Mavus's Avatar
2015
Rep
2,659
Posts

Drives: E90 335i, F80 zcp
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: PA

iTrader: (9)

75k for cla wow!

fwd 4cyl vs rwd I6 ... no comparison period!!

cla compres to audi a3/s3.


I agree the design of the 3 series is not great but chassis and drivetrain is on another planet compred to cla. I don't consider fancy fwd benz as luxury car but it's your money spend it any way you like. Just understand what's under the skin.
Appreciate 0
      04-04-2020, 12:41 PM   #13
JTO24
never could compete with Lloyd Braun
JTO24's Avatar
United_States
5247
Rep
5,374
Posts

Drives: 2022 G80 M3 6MT
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: South Jersey

iTrader: (7)

Quote:
Originally Posted by TrollingCavalier View Post
I haven't test drive a cla45s yet, I doubt there is any in the dealer rn.
But I highly suspect that m340i would beat the f out of cla45s in terms of handling.

The thing is, I don't really like the exterior m340i. The new 3 series looks good, but for m340i I expect it to have a more invasive and sporty exterior because it is a more sporty version of the regular 3 series.
TBH, 330i and m340i looks nearly identical, except that bronze looking grill and the vertical intake thingy. (Plus the exhaust)

cla45s is different. I could instantly tell it is different than any regular cla because of the aerodynamic package.
Well the CLA45s is a full-on AMG car while the M340i is not a full-on M car; that's why the M340i looks like a 330i. The M3 will be the one that looks very different from the 330i and M340i.
Appreciate 0
      04-04-2020, 02:08 PM   #14
TrollingCavalier
Private
39
Rep
76
Posts

Drives: 535i & x5 40i
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: Ontario

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Smooth 330i View Post
75k for cla wow!

fwd 4cyl vs rwd I6 ... no comparison period!!

cla compres to audi a3/s3.


I agree the design of the 3 series is not great but chassis and drivetrain is on another planet compred to cla. I don't consider fancy fwd benz as luxury car but it's your money spend it any way you like. Just understand what's under the skin.
the fwd you referred to is as four wheel drive or front wheel drive?

I don't consider it as a luxury car tbh, I could buy a decent speced e300(maybe even e450) with that money, but no that is not what I want to drive.
All I want is a car with decent exterior and interior and a bit of performance.

I guess for me personally I would value exterior over performance.
Probably too young to realize how overpriced the benz is
Appreciate 0
      04-04-2020, 02:09 PM   #15
TrollingCavalier
Private
39
Rep
76
Posts

Drives: 535i & x5 40i
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: Ontario

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by JTO24 View Post
Well the CLA45s is a full-on AMG car while the M340i is not a full-on M car; that's why the M340i looks like a 330i. The M3 will be the one that looks very different from the 330i and M340i.
well yes but again that beast is probably way out of my budget....
Appreciate 1
JTO245246.50
      04-04-2020, 02:27 PM   #16
Mavus
Colonel
Mavus's Avatar
2015
Rep
2,659
Posts

Drives: E90 335i, F80 zcp
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: PA

iTrader: (9)

Quote:
Originally Posted by TrollingCavalier View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Smooth 330i View Post
75k for cla wow!

fwd 4cyl vs rwd I6 ... no comparison period!!

cla compres to audi a3/s3.


I agree the design of the 3 series is not great but chassis and drivetrain is on another planet compred to cla. I don't consider fancy fwd benz as luxury car but it's your money spend it any way you like. Just understand what's under the skin.
the fwd you referred to is as four wheel drive or front wheel drive?

I don't consider it as a luxury car tbh, I could buy a decent speced e300(maybe even e450) with that money, but no that is not what I want to drive.
All I want is a car with decent exterior and interior and a bit of performance.

I guess for me personally I would value exterior over performance.
Probably too young to realize how overpriced the benz is
just do research on cla chassis design and learn about fwd vs rwd layout, weight distribution, handling etc.

The car you are looking for is M2, M2c or even M240i.
Appreciate 1
      04-04-2020, 05:38 PM   #17
wtwo3
Major General
wtwo3's Avatar
17864
Rep
5,462
Posts

Drives: 23 X7 40i; 23 M3; 24 cooper s
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: IL

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by Smooth 330i View Post
just do research on cla chassis design and learn about fwd vs rwd layout, weight distribution, handling etc.

The car you are looking for is M2, M2c or even M240i.
I'm assuming with a comment like, "When it comes to these performance cars, 0 - 60 time is definitely a huge factor to consider.", OP doesn't really care about chassis design/weight distribution as it relates to handling performance. From that angle, even the M2/M2c are not appropriate competition, as those are RWD. Audi RS3 would be the closest competitor. For me personally, if I was focused primarily on a performance car, I would never give serious thought to a FWD biased setup.

Sounds to me like straight line performance and looks are at the top of OP's wish-list. Since looks are subjective, and the CLA has a slight edge in straight line performance over the M340, then the CLA may be the car to get.
__________________
2023 BMW X7 xDrive40i
2023 BMW M3 6MT
2024 Mini Cooper S Convertible

'20 BMW m340i... '20 BMW X5 40i... '16 Infiniti Q50 RS 400... '10 Lexus RX 350... '08 Lexus IS 350... '00 Nissan Maxima... '93 Nissan Maxima
Appreciate 3
      04-04-2020, 10:30 PM   #18
Mavus
Colonel
Mavus's Avatar
2015
Rep
2,659
Posts

Drives: E90 335i, F80 zcp
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: PA

iTrader: (9)

Quote:
Originally Posted by wtwo3 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Smooth 330i View Post
just do research on cla chassis design and learn about fwd vs rwd layout, weight distribution, handling etc.

The car you are looking for is M2, M2c or even M240i.
I'm assuming with a comment like, "When it comes to these performance cars, 0 - 60 time is definitely a huge factor to consider.", OP doesn't really care about chassis design/weight distribution as it relates to handling performance. From that angle, even the M2/M2c are not appropriate competition, as those are RWD. Audi RS3 would be the closest competitor. For me personally, if I was focused primarily on a performance car, I would never give serious thought to a FWD biased setup.

Sounds to me like straight line performance and looks are at the top of OP's wish-list. Since looks are subjective, and the CLA has a slight edge in straight line performance over the M340, then the CLA may be the car to get.
It seems to me that he doesn't know vs he doesn't care therefore I pointed him to do some research to better understand the differences in these cars.

I do agree with you that his requirements are very simple and many cars can meet them regardless of what's under the skin.
Appreciate 1
wtwo317864.00
      04-05-2020, 11:28 AM   #19
TrollingCavalier
Private
39
Rep
76
Posts

Drives: 535i & x5 40i
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: Ontario

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Smooth 330i View Post
It seems to me that he doesn't know vs he doesn't care therefore I pointed him to do some research to better understand the differences in these cars.

I do agree with you that his requirements are very simple and many cars can meet them regardless of what's under the skin.
Now here is a thing, as an almost "life long" BMW driver, I drove the f10 535i at the age of 17(the very first car I drove after I got my license), the g05 x5. Before that, when I was small, my dad had an e60 530i (or 535? 540? can't remember now). Yea I drove that as well. (Don't ask me why I drove a car at the age of like 12)

The thing is, as a driver that ONLY drove BMW before, I do not know what other car's "Handling" is like.
Plus I really don't see the extra "handling" you guys referred to, is really that useful on the public road. I won't be doing tracks, and as any other driver on the road, I use indicators to change lanes, never done something overly aggressive.

Is this, the "ultimate driving machine" really really that necessary with all that rear steering, anti-roll, stabilization on PUBLIC roads?
I am not cutting into a corner at a speed of 100km or above, and no I am not dive bomb anybody to experience how all of that fancy "handling" power can give.

Plus I never ever had a moment in my life, that actually appreciates how good the BMW drives. (Probably I should try the e300L (yes, that long wheelbase Benz aimed for the Chinese market) if I get the chance, then I probably will start to understand how BMW is really good at handling.)

So, as a non-typical young BMW driver, I do not drive like an asshole.
I probably would just floor the thing once in a while, but that's about it. I don't need to drive it like I stole it on the public road, and neither do any of you guys.

So please tell me, who as a young driver that only drove BMWs in his life, why would I need this "handling" performance?
Appreciate 0
      04-05-2020, 02:32 PM   #20
stein_325i
Ring Leader of G8X Haters
stein_325i's Avatar
No_Country
25051
Rep
8,761
Posts

Drives: A Car
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: All-Around

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by TrollingCavalier View Post
When it comes to these performance cars, 0 - 60 time is definitely a huge factor to consider. But I am not saying that is it is all I look at. The exterior of the c43 feels old, the interior is not outstanding either. Plus as we all know, the handling of the c43 definitely not gonna be as good as the m340i. I don't really see why would I pick a c43 over m340i.

On the other hand, the all-new cla45s has a really aggressive exterior with a decent interior. (Performance is also good for a 4-cylinder) So that's why for me personally, I would choose between cla45s and m340i instead of c43s and m340i.
Have you driven the new C43? Its a lot closer to the M340 than you think.

As for the comparison between the M340 and CLA 45, its a bit of a weird one, however, I'd imagine that the CLA could be more fun as its likely to be a little more raw and engaging. Yes its a FWD based chassis, but drift mode seems pretty cool, the exhaust isn't terrible, although will not be anywhere close to that of a C43 or M340, but it depends on how much you care about that. The last CLA45 was around ~3500lbs, and the M340 is closer to two tons around ~3900lbs, and the CLA is shorter as is the wheelbase so the CLA may actually be more agile. Honestly I would wait for CLA 45's to arrive at dealers and test drive one, it seems like a pretty cool car, and reviewers seem to have praised it and they fixed a lot of poor aspects of the previous model, and I do agree that it looks better and really good, but I am biased being that the CLA is designed as a mini version of what I drive.
__________________
Current Garage: 2022 Mercedes-Benz S 580 / 2023 Genesis GV70 2.5T / 2007 Mercedes-Benz E 350 / 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Retired: '95 E36 325i 5MT / '04 E46 330i 6MT / '05 E83 X3 3.0i / '11 E90 335xi / '17 G30 540i / '19 F87 M2C 6MT / '19 MB CLS 53 / '20 MB GLC 300
Appreciate 2
      04-05-2020, 02:52 PM   #21
TrollingCavalier
Private
39
Rep
76
Posts

Drives: 535i & x5 40i
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: Ontario

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by joshuastein55 View Post
Have you driven the new C43? Its a lot closer to the M340 than you think.

As for the comparison between the M340 and CLA 45, its a bit of a weird one, however, I'd imagine that the CLA could be more fun as its likely to be a little more raw and engaging. Yes its a FWD based chassis, but drift mode seems pretty cool, the exhaust isn't terrible, although will not be anywhere close to that of a C43 or M340, but it depends on how much you care about that. The last CLA45 was around ~3500lbs, and the M340 is closer to two tons around ~3900lbs, and the CLA is shorter as is the wheelbase so the CLA may actually be more agile. Honestly I would wait for CLA 45's to arrive at dealers and test drive one, it seems like a pretty cool car, and reviewers seem to have praised it and they fixed a lot of poor aspects of the previous model, and I do agree that it looks better and really good, but I am biased being that the CLA is designed as a mini version of what I drive.
It's like comparing the m2 comp with m340i.
I just personally don't like c43 for some reason.
I never technically drove a "small" sedan before in my life, so I guess I want to try it out.
Practicality wise I guess c / 3 series will definitely win. However, I have a big suv so I guess I just need a car that is agile and swift
Appreciate 0
      04-05-2020, 02:54 PM   #22
stein_325i
Ring Leader of G8X Haters
stein_325i's Avatar
No_Country
25051
Rep
8,761
Posts

Drives: A Car
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: All-Around

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by TrollingCavalier View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by joshuastein55 View Post
Have you driven the new C43? Its a lot closer to the M340 than you think.

As for the comparison between the M340 and CLA 45, its a bit of a weird one, however, I'd imagine that the CLA could be more fun as its likely to be a little more raw and engaging. Yes its a FWD based chassis, but drift mode seems pretty cool, the exhaust isn't terrible, although will not be anywhere close to that of a C43 or M340, but it depends on how much you care about that. The last CLA45 was around ~3500lbs, and the M340 is closer to two tons around ~3900lbs, and the CLA is shorter as is the wheelbase so the CLA may actually be more agile. Honestly I would wait for CLA 45's to arrive at dealers and test drive one, it seems like a pretty cool car, and reviewers seem to have praised it and they fixed a lot of poor aspects of the previous model, and I do agree that it looks better and really good, but I am biased being that the CLA is designed as a mini version of what I drive.
It's like comparing the m2 comp with m340i.
I just personally don't like c43 for some reason.
I never technically drove a "small" sedan before in my life, so I guess I want to try it out.
Practicality wise I guess c / 3 series will definitely win. However, I have a big suv so I guess I just need a car that is agile and swift
Oh yeah, coming from a G05 X5 and F10 5er, any sedan will feel like a large improvement. Good luck with the decision
__________________
Current Garage: 2022 Mercedes-Benz S 580 / 2023 Genesis GV70 2.5T / 2007 Mercedes-Benz E 350 / 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Retired: '95 E36 325i 5MT / '04 E46 330i 6MT / '05 E83 X3 3.0i / '11 E90 335xi / '17 G30 540i / '19 F87 M2C 6MT / '19 MB CLS 53 / '20 MB GLC 300
Appreciate 1
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:48 PM.




g20
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST