C32 AMG, C55 AMG (W203) 2001 - 2007

W208 CLK55, or W203 C32????

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Old Aug 15, 2005 | 09:06 PM
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Question W208 CLK55, or W203 C32????

I have a question. I am in the market for a new car (definetly going with a Mercedes, and hopefully an AMG), and have narrowed the options down to a 2002 C32 AMG , a 2002 CLK55 AMG , or a 2003 CLK500 Coupe . Based off of performance, amount of problems, reliability, and quality, which of the three should I pick? Oh, and I dont plan on modding to heavily , most likely just cosmetic mods (most definetly rims), and maybe eventually an ECU flash, but other than that not much . Thanks guys.
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Old Aug 16, 2005 | 01:22 AM
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if you are going to race/track c32 amg > w209 CLK500 > w208 CLK55

if you are just pimping in the ride then w209 CLK 500 > c32 amg > w208 clk55
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Old Aug 16, 2005 | 02:49 AM
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Does the CLK500 have enough "zip" to put a smile on your face whenever you feel the need to floor it, or is it just a cruiser?
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Old Aug 16, 2005 | 03:06 AM
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C55AMG W203; 330i E90
Give him a break!

W209 rules

Always get the latest technology that you can afford. CLK500's 300hp can kill a C32/C55 with an average driver easily.
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Old Aug 16, 2005 | 02:44 PM
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Originally Posted by cntlaw
Give him a break!

W209 rules

Always get the latest technology that you can afford. CLK500's 300hp can kill a C32/C55 with an average driver easily.
are you sure about that? my c32 absolutely rapes my moms gs430 from a standstill ... on the higher speed starts is closer but not close enough ... the clk500 is just a little faster then the gs430
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Old Aug 16, 2005 | 02:55 PM
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The W208 CLK55 and the C32 will swallow (whole) a W209 CLK500. No question about it. My friend, if you desire an AMG car, you won't be happy with anything less.

As to the C32 vs. CLK55 argument, they are extremely close in performance (stock vs. stock) and generally comes down to who gets a better launch. I have beaten C32s (and even SLK32s) on the street and on the track. I have also been beaten by both in the same situations.

C32 has four doors and 7 more hp, but 44 lb.-ft. less torque than the CLK55.

C32 has Brembo brakes. The CLK55 has Ate.

Obviously, I have a slight bias for the CLK55, but it suits my needs and I absolutley love the looks.

Good luck in your decision
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Old Aug 16, 2005 | 02:58 PM
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Originally Posted by cntlaw
CLK500's 300hp can kill a C32/C55 with an average driver easily.
Can you share some of what you're-a-smokin'?
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Old Aug 16, 2005 | 03:10 PM
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Originally Posted by Chappy
Can you share some of what you're-a-smokin'?
Haha. Thanks for all the input guys, im gonna have to test drive them both first then ill make my decision, as of right now I have no clue which way I'm gonna go. Thanks again guys!
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Old Aug 16, 2005 | 08:26 PM
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What

Originally Posted by cntlaw
Give him a break!

W209 rules

Always get the latest technology that you can afford. CLK500's 300hp can kill a C32/C55 with an average driver easily.
Are you retarted,does your Mom know your on the computer???
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Old Aug 16, 2005 | 09:33 PM
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2002 C32 Black/Charcoal
If you have kids or frequently carry more than one passenger, I would go for the C32. If you do not, and you like the CLK55 styling, then I would go for the CLK55. Since you do not plan on much performance modding, the fact that the C32 is very "moddable" is irrelevant. I would also suspect that the N/A 55 motor will be more reliable in the long term than the S/C powerplant in the C32 (although I can say that my modded C32 motor has been bulletproof).

I think that you will be happy with either AMG car. I personally find the CLK500 to be a little bland, but certainly many people love it. Ignore the previous delusional comment about the CLK500 being able to run with either of the AMG cars which you are considering. Either the C32 or the CLK55 will stomp the CLK500.
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Old Aug 17, 2005 | 03:06 AM
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which ever you feel is the most affordable to you, get it!!
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Old Aug 17, 2005 | 04:00 AM
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C55AMG W203; 330i E90
Originally Posted by DNA
are you sure about that? my c32 absolutely rapes my moms gs430 from a standstill ... on the higher speed starts is closer but not close enough ... the clk500 is just a little faster then the gs430
:p I thought ( I hope ) it might be ....well....I had a feeling that the guy is not really after an AMG; so why not stuff him a nice 500 since neither there is anything wrong with a CLK500. ( really did not get a chance to side by side with 500's as so far I always smoke any 500's in fraction of a second as if I wish to ) So wonderful, my decision on C55 was correct :p
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