C55 AMG vs C32 AMG, Which one is better?
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From: California, San Diego.
Mercedes-Benz C240 and Corvette C5 convertible
C55 AMG vs C32 AMG, Which one is better?
The C55 (w202) being the rarest of C-classes, with 349 hp could play with the C32 (w203) with 354 hp?! A big V-8 versus a supercharged V-6. Handling wise the C32 would be the better car dynamically, due to the engine weighing less. But on the straights, cubic inches in the 5.5 liter engine might be the better.
Any comments or insight to these two anybody?
Any comments or insight to these two anybody?
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Joined: Mar 2003
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From: Madrid, Spain
1996 C220 (W202) and E320 (w210)
well... the C55 has probably twice the torque than the C32 and that could offset the 200 or 300 kilo difference between engines. So in the whole, the C55 will do the quarte-mile in less time and with sush a hevy engine, maybe wont handle as crispy and light as the C32. I think the chassis is not desined for such a beast of an engine.
i believe the C32 is better, not only because of lower running costs, maintenance costs and price difference, but because the C55 is just too much of an engine
and, where in the USA or another country apart from Germany will you go at more than 155 mph???? the acceleration is the same between both cars. one will burn more rubber, but will make the car heavy and handling will not be as good.
i believe the C32 is better, not only because of lower running costs, maintenance costs and price difference, but because the C55 is just too much of an engine
and, where in the USA or another country apart from Germany will you go at more than 155 mph???? the acceleration is the same between both cars. one will burn more rubber, but will make the car heavy and handling will not be as good.
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Joined: Dec 2001
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From: Dallas
C32 AMG
I don't know about "twice the torque" - The C55 had about 390lb and the C32 has about 330.
The transmission was not as exotic as the C32's - I think you could debate which would win in a quarter mile.
I think the C55 would not handle nearly as well - the C43 had a similar engine, and it was VERY front-heavy.
But the C55 is rare - I doubt if I will ever see a real one in the US - if there are even any over here that actually get driven.
If I owned a clean C55 I would be pretty proud!
The transmission was not as exotic as the C32's - I think you could debate which would win in a quarter mile.
I think the C55 would not handle nearly as well - the C43 had a similar engine, and it was VERY front-heavy.
But the C55 is rare - I doubt if I will ever see a real one in the US - if there are even any over here that actually get driven.
If I owned a clean C55 I would be pretty proud!
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From: Madrid, Spain
1996 C220 (W202) and E320 (w210)
yes. of course. those figures measured using a dyno, no? im talking about the torque and horsepower which (measured directly from the engine not the wheels) easily can be double that of the C32. if then you place that engine on a C-class chassis it will undoubtedly give you only 60 lb-ft more but thats why it offsets the weight difference between models and so, the ending result of the car is that it will be very node heavy and will be difficult to play ball with it even though it is 1.8 liters bigger , now, if someone here is the proud owner of an authentic C55.... id suggest him to keep it! cos' that car will never lose its value. and will gain more as the years go by.
, now, if someone here is the proud owner of an authentic C55.... id suggest him to keep it! cos' that car will never lose its value. and will gain more as the years go by.
Last edited by merclover; May 2, 2003 at 07:57 PM.
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From: Club202.com
1998 C43
This is a tough one. Both cars are on the same performance level, and put up similar numbers. I think it is entirely up to the owner. I agree that the C55 is front heavy, but the overall weight of the two cars are pretty close. I think the C32 is 50 lbs lighter.
The C32 definitely gets the edge on the tranny, but the C55 has the V8 sound (and power). I could go on and on, but I tend to favor the W202 models, so I wont.
In my opinion, the C55 is the better car (all around) because it's so rare.
The C32 definitely gets the edge on the tranny, but the C55 has the V8 sound (and power). I could go on and on, but I tend to favor the W202 models, so I wont.
In my opinion, the C55 is the better car (all around) because it's so rare.
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Joined: Dec 2001
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From: Dallas
C32 AMG
Even though I own a C32, I would have to say the C55 is "better", purely from the value and rarity aspect.
Although, it had better be, it cost almost twice what a C32 costs!
And of course very few (legally) came to the U.S., since it was a custom AMG model.
Although, it had better be, it cost almost twice what a C32 costs!
And of course very few (legally) came to the U.S., since it was a custom AMG model.
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From: California, San Diego.
Mercedes-Benz C240 and Corvette C5 convertible
AMG it!
I've mentioned this before folks at another forum... so if this is a repeat of information to you, sorry to waste your time.
For those of us who are fortunate to own a C43 (W202), and want a true and authentic C55 AMG car, the answer depends on your income. I have inquired to AMG about my very average C-class (C240) as to what can be done to it's engine. The answer I got was dismil at best (i.e. exhaust, body kit, etc).
I was told by a VIP products and customize AMG employee that if I bought a used C43, that this car could be modified to be C55 for 25,000 Euros in Affalterbach, Germany where AMG is located. Even though serial production of the 5.5 liter engine has ended for the C-class W202, parts and expertise are still available to build such a car. Although the price I was quoted doesn't not include the shipping or taxing costs, the fact of owning one of AMG's rarest of produced cars is very interesting.
Now I understand that it is very much possible to have a C43 modified like C55 by some tuner, but having it done by AMG officially adds to the car's mystique, validity, and true value.
The C32's sound of the supercharger simply doesn't sound as good a the big V-8! Torque really matters with high horse power!
As you have probably heard before the old saying, "There's no substitute for cubic inches!" :p
For those of us who are fortunate to own a C43 (W202), and want a true and authentic C55 AMG car, the answer depends on your income. I have inquired to AMG about my very average C-class (C240) as to what can be done to it's engine. The answer I got was dismil at best (i.e. exhaust, body kit, etc).
I was told by a VIP products and customize AMG employee that if I bought a used C43, that this car could be modified to be C55 for 25,000 Euros in Affalterbach, Germany where AMG is located. Even though serial production of the 5.5 liter engine has ended for the C-class W202, parts and expertise are still available to build such a car. Although the price I was quoted doesn't not include the shipping or taxing costs, the fact of owning one of AMG's rarest of produced cars is very interesting.
Now I understand that it is very much possible to have a C43 modified like C55 by some tuner, but having it done by AMG officially adds to the car's mystique, validity, and true value.
The C32's sound of the supercharger simply doesn't sound as good a the big V-8! Torque really matters with high horse power!
As you have probably heard before the old saying, "There's no substitute for cubic inches!"
:p
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Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 235
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From: Madrid, Spain
1996 C220 (W202) and E320 (w210)
WOW!!!! that is really cool..... now i can just pop down to germany (only 2000 km, which i am more than prepared to do) and change my 220 into a C55 AMG . i also get the one-two combo. i get the engine, drivetrain and body!!
i didnt know that could be done....
. i also get the one-two combo. i get the engine, drivetrain and body!!i didnt know that could be done....
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From: California, San Diego.
Mercedes-Benz C240 and Corvette C5 convertible
Merclover
Merclover, you didn't follow my post closely, I said that you must have a C43 in order to convert that into a C55!
You and I have C-classes that cannot be converted to a C55! There are too many major mechanical differences for our cars to be converted to a C55!
But I can only imagine that "IF" AMG worked on your C220 and my C240 to be C55's, that the price of such a conversion for our cars maybe double of 25,000 Euros! More like 50,000 Euros probably.
You and I are probably better off buying the C32 AMG car.
But "IF" you really want a C55, your going to have to buy a used C43 and then send that car to AMG for modification and conversion to be a C55!! The reason why I say that your going to have to buy a used C43, is because finding a C55 in the used car market is extremely rare!
You and I have C-classes that cannot be converted to a C55! There are too many major mechanical differences for our cars to be converted to a C55!
But I can only imagine that "IF" AMG worked on your C220 and my C240 to be C55's, that the price of such a conversion for our cars maybe double of 25,000 Euros! More like 50,000 Euros probably.
You and I are probably better off buying the C32 AMG car.
But "IF" you really want a C55, your going to have to buy a used C43 and then send that car to AMG for modification and conversion to be a C55!! The reason why I say that your going to have to buy a used C43, is because finding a C55 in the used car market is extremely rare!
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From: City with Tall buildings!
C43/55,2k11 Volvo S60 T6AWD,2k Audi B5 S4,95 Eagle Talon Tsi AWD 500+awhp
Interesting thread!Let's modernize the debate!
C32 is heavier,but probably handles better.I'm still waiting to drive one so that I can compare the pwr feel to my little beast!
C32 is heavier,but probably handles better.I'm still waiting to drive one so that I can compare the pwr feel to my little beast!
Last edited by ProjectC55; Mar 27, 2006 at 03:15 PM.
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Audi S4 B7
C32 Amg From Tbilisi, Georgia
C32 Amg vs CLS55 AMG, Dyno Test, Acceleration and Sound, Tuning From VTTT Performance.
CLS55 AMG (Stock)(Jonson Water Pump) - 476PS (469HP)
C32 AMG Tuned 331WHP and 460WNM on Low Boost:
Mods:
66mm S/C Pulley
ECU TUNE
TCU TUNE
2nd Upraged Intercooler
Bosch 010 Water Pump
K&N Air Filters With Custom Intake
C32 Amg vs CLS55 AMG, Dyno Test, Acceleration and Sound, Tuning From VTTT Performance.
C32 AMG Tuned 331WHP and 460WNM on Low Boost:
Mods:
66mm S/C Pulley
ECU TUNE
TCU TUNE
2nd Upraged Intercooler
Bosch 010 Water Pump
K&N Air Filters With Custom Intake
Last edited by mak1avel1; Feb 23, 2017 at 11:11 AM.
