2005 C55 or 2008 C300
 

I'm just curious what you guys think about this. Which one would you choose?

Given the choice - cost not being a factor - I would take the C300. I dont need a V8 or the gas mileage associate with one. The new C feels more solid than the W203. Although the new model didn't blow me away, it is a nice vehicle. I would prefer more supportive seats (love the seats in a sport package equipped 3 series) and more aggressive gearing in the lower gears, but overall it's a nice improvement.

the C300 is severely underpowered and rides a bit too softly for my liking. I will say get the C55, but only if you have a very strong preference for performance.

Neither. Actually I'd take 08 C63, however it seems out of your price range.

I'm an individual into HP, IMO the C55 :)

the only reason to take the C55 is the engine. The C350 is far nicer of a car in terms of looks and comfort and appointments. They are about the same price, C55 is a little cheaper with low miles. I'd get a 4matic C350 over a C55. Better gas, slightly more room, better looks, and I don't go to the track ever and there is no place near where I live you could ever use the AMG engine

THat's what I don't get. Unless you can open up the engine or you go tot he track, who needs 400+ hp?

C300

I am looking for a 05 C55 a few month already, But when I saw the 08 new C350, I am kind of like the new W204 ! Looks batter, build batter and also bigger than W203 but smaller than W211, I don't like drive a big car, so the W204 is just right size for me, I am going to test drive the C350 this weekend at House of Import. Beacuse my friend work there and I bought a 06 W203 from him before, may be I can get some deal ( I wish !!):D

C300

Yeah, I think the C300 will be better for me. I asked this only because I want to try owning an AMG car. :) Thanks for the input guys! I would stick with my blk C300 then.

C55. I was coming out of the MB dealer this morning and thought the new C300 was a Chrysler. I told the dude don't do it.

Yeah, i would go with the C300. it def won't be out of date looking for 5-6 years. Plus its not that slow. unless u race, i'm sure the c300 has enough power, if you are coming from a c230

I owned a 2005 C55 and have a C350 Sport on order. I also sold my 2006 SLK55. The 300C is way down on power compared to the C55, which you know already. The chasis, suspension, steering, body and dynamica of the new C class are far superior to the C55. In addition, with the C63 coming out, the value of the C55 is dropping. However, that power discrepancy is pretty big. Have you considered a C350? There is still a bid power differential, but at least the C350 has sporty power - the C300 has only adequte power for normal drivng.

TEASha
from Nebraska

I dont know about better gas mileage on a C300. How can a 3.0 making 228hp has almost the same gas mileage (18/25mpg) as a 3.5 268hp (17/25mpg)? I hate to compare it to our rival, but the 328i over at the BMW camp is making the same amount of power and just about as fast, yet it gets 20/29mpg. Might as well aim for the 350 and get that extra power since you are going to be spending the same amount at the pump. As far as comfort and appointments, I think an AMG car would have more options that are standard plus a unique interior queue than a regular C class.

ahhhh but here is the rub my friend, it is NOT an AMG car! It has an AMG kit and wheels (optional)

The C55 has a V8 no way it gets remotely close to as good mpg as a V6. Secondly I agree, no point in getting a 300C unless you need the 4matic right now, I'm all for the C350 and in a year 4matic C350 :naughty:

:y

C55 all the way !!!

I was refering to your comment about how a regular C350 has a nicer comfort and appointment compare to a C55 (interior wise)

I agreed that a AMG V8 is in no way remotely close in mpg as a V6, but comparing to the new 3.0 and 3.5 engine (17-15/25mpg), it isnt far off as the 5.5 gets 16/22mpg. For city driving, you get almost the same. I suspect the 7sp gear are more beneficial on the highway.

I drove the C350 today at a MB driving event. Nice new features like the nav,and stero etc. I have a C55 that I'm trading in on a CLK 63 black series next week. I didn't think the C350 was that sporty. The ride was soft, and power was ok, not great. Larger interior, and they've gone the way of BMW with a lot of options. With nav, leather, wheels, roof add another $6500 to the base price. Then consider that a BMW 335 at the same price will kill the C350 if your looking for performace comparison. I wouln't own another BMW but thats the market. I wanted to like the car but compared to the C55 there is no comparison,even with the new platform.
Jimmy