C32 AMG, C55 AMG (W203) 2001 - 2007

Selling C32..RS6 or E55 next?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Feb 6, 2007 | 01:43 PM
  #1  
derrick_lui's Avatar
Thread Starter
Super Member
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 980
Likes: 0
From: Boston, MA
My ex-cars: 03 E55,04 C32, 05 C55 ,03 E320
Selling C32..RS6 or E55 next?

So my car is getting close to being sold (I'll let the new owner announce himself later)....

I know this is a mercedes forum but, what do you guys think about having an Audi RS6 (4.2 liter Bi turbo) or the E55 ?? both 2003 models.

-On the E55 I can put the ASP pulley
-on the RS6 I can chip the car and squeeze more HP from the turbo.

*disclaimer: those who want say this is a stupid no brainer question, simply ignore this message*
Reply
Old Feb 6, 2007 | 01:52 PM
  #2  
Fifth Ring's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,513
Likes: 0
C32 AMG
Originally Posted by derrick_lui
So my car is getting close to being sold (I'll let the new owner announce himself later)....

I know this is a mercedes forum but, what do you guys think about having an Audi RS6 (4.2 liter Bi turbo) or the E55 ?? both 2003 models.

-On the E55 I can put the ASP pulley
-on the RS6 I can chip the car and squeeze more HP from the turbo.

*disclaimer: those who want say this is a stupid no brainer question, simply ignore this message*
The RS6 is a much sportier car, so if you like a car that handles well, it will certainly be the preferred choice. Better handling and better brakes. Tuning the RS6 will also be cheaper since it's all software and no hardware.

Reliability-wise, I would lean toward the E55, but in either case, a warranty would make sense.

Even though the E55 might be as rare as the RS6, I think the RS6 is likely to hold value better as a quasi-collectible car.

Lastly, the RS6 will be a great all-weather car b/c of the all wheel drive.
Reply
Old Feb 6, 2007 | 01:55 PM
  #3  
Eurocharged Rick's Avatar
SPONSOR
 
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,517
Likes: 1
From: Ohio
...
i think you will find a better deal on an E55...both are nice cars, just depends on what you want in the end...
Reply
Old Feb 6, 2007 | 02:29 PM
  #4  
Fifth Ring's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,513
Likes: 0
C32 AMG
Originally Posted by 1FASTC32
i think you will find a better deal on an E55...both are nice cars, just depends on what you want in the end...
He'll probably end up with his Dad's old Escalade!
Reply
Old Feb 6, 2007 | 04:39 PM
  #5  
tee_tz's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,159
Likes: 0
From: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
ML63 AMG
I say the E55. I'm not a big fan on the Audi's interior; well let me rephrase, it's nice, but just not as nice as Mercedes (most anyway).

Performance wise I think they are both pretty competitive, I think the E55 will feel faster, the Audi will corner better. In terms of prestige, I think the E55 has a slight edge -- in the sense of someone who knows nothing about cars will likely appreciate the Benz more. And in terms of resale, I think the Benz will always be higher -- doesn't matter the model, the year, the miles, I think generally Mercedes-Benz and BMW hold higher values than Audi.

Lastly, I think the Supercharger is better than a turbo, and besides, you're used to Benz - stick around.


Tee_Tz.
Reply
Old Feb 6, 2007 | 06:18 PM
  #6  
rlee02135's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 6,665
Likes: 4
From: Boston
2004 C32 ///AMG
Go for the E55...AMG POWER
Reply
Old Feb 6, 2007 | 06:25 PM
  #7  
newton22's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 4,574
Likes: 3
From: Sugar Land, TX
BMW E39
E55. I don't like AWD cars. I like to be able to steer the car with your right foot.
Reply
Old Feb 6, 2007 | 06:37 PM
  #8  
Fifth Ring's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,513
Likes: 0
C32 AMG
Originally Posted by newton22
E55. I don't like AWD cars. I like to be able to steer the car with your right foot.
That's hysterical.
Not that you want to steer your car with my right foot, but that you would be driving an S class in such a way that you are actually using throttle induced oversteer to get around corners. When you've got 450HP, you can use a LOT more of it when all wheels are putting the power down. With RWD you either have the traction control working (which ruins all the fun) or you're playing Dukes-of-Hazard with a very expensive toy.

Last edited by Fifth Ring; Feb 6, 2007 at 06:46 PM.
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Feb 6, 2007 | 06:47 PM
  #9  
TopGun32's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 3,466
Likes: 10
From: Southern Cali (Ontario)
I have read from previous modded RS6 owners that the power difference is very noticeable between the E55 and RS6.


modded vs modded.. the E55 will win.

the AWD eats too much of the power and your trap speeds will suffer.

I do like the RS6, but styling is getting a bit out dates compared today's standards.

I would not buy either without warranty and extended warranty.. No Way!

if both are priced about the same.. I would take the lower milage car and close to stock to possible.

4.2 bi turbo sounds very appealing... but I can imagine the head aches trying to figure out issues with that engine.
Reply
Old Feb 6, 2007 | 07:03 PM
  #10  
Ryanr317's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,147
Likes: 2
From: Central Florida
R129, XF Sportbrake, SC400
Tough decision. I'd got with the E55. One of the advantages of the RS6 is that they seem more rare. How bout an E39 M5?
Reply
Old Feb 6, 2007 | 07:43 PM
  #11  
2QUIK4U's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 388
Likes: 0
I would go with the E55, unless you live an area where you need Quattro. The E55 will probably be more fun. However, the RS6 is an awesome machine. My father had the RS6, and the RS6+. I have driven both of them extensively, and really love these cars.

The one thing that really stands out about the Audis is the transmission. The paddle shifters are much more responsive and shifts occur much faster than in the AMG counterparts. This definitely contributes to the sporty feel of the Audis.

Both great cars, but like I said, if you don't need 4-wheel drive, go with the AMG.

BTW, if you decide on the RS6, and want more power. Don't let any tuner touch it besides MTM.
Reply
Old Feb 6, 2007 | 08:06 PM
  #12  
advans's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 7,424
Likes: 3
From: New York City
C55 ///AMG, 535xi
i say RS6!! I am a fan of audi, and the RS6 is a kinda machine. not saying the E55 isnt, but it has quattro!
Reply
Old Feb 6, 2007 | 08:08 PM
  #13  
Carl Lassiter's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,146
Likes: 1
From: L.A., CA
'08 M5, '10 Land Cruiser
Either is great but...

I would say the RS6 as you live in MA. The drivetrain and internals can handle a light tuning (60bhp) with absolutely no worries about future reliability. If your looking to hit 600bhp, which many have done, then your going to need some serious $$.

It doesn't make sense to keep such a tuneable car stock, especially when twin turbos are so cheap to tune.

However, two things stopped me buying an 03 RS6 when I got rid of my P-car.
1. The back end (especially the lights) is extremely dated.
2. Dealers ask really stupid prices

If you want to be able to use all your power and race about 24/7/365 then go for the Audi, but if you just want the occasional blast and a car that will impress the valet for years to come then go for the E55
Reply
Old Feb 7, 2007 | 03:06 AM
  #14  
CynCarvin32's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 2,923
Likes: 3
Mercedes Benz
Originally Posted by Fifth Ring
That's hysterical.
Not that you want to steer your car with my right foot, but that you would be driving an S class in such a way that you are actually using throttle induced oversteer to get around corners. When you've got 450HP, you can use a LOT more of it when all wheels are putting the power down. With RWD you either have the traction control working (which ruins all the fun) or you're playing Dukes-of-Hazard with a very expensive toy.
HAHA!!

Get the RS6 I have an E55 and its a really kind of bland car. I think a modded W203 is far more fun to own. The E55 goes zoom zoom down the on ramp.. big deal. In stock form its a pig on any corner. I have re-done the allignment specs to my personal tastes and lowered it a tad and its better but still not that great. Lowering a W211 just means bottoming out when you go around a corner hard. If you DO get an E55 for sure go for a post NOV 2004 build for those cars have the revised shock valving and faster steering rack seen in the CLS55. They make a huge difference.

An RS6 can actually be a sports sedan that goes, stops, AND TURNS!

But be warned the RS6 is on a very old chassis and its actually not that safe in an off-set frontal crash test (check the IIHS test results for this). The RS6 is dated but I still think its one heck of a car.
Reply
Old Feb 7, 2007 | 03:22 AM
  #15  
flush's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 251
Likes: 0
From: Seattle
2003 C32
i'd go with the RS6! vroooooom!
Reply
Old Feb 7, 2007 | 09:15 AM
  #16  
SilverBulletAMG's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,717
Likes: 0
From: Keesler AFB, Gulfport, MS
C32 AMG
Between the two I would personally take the RS6. Why not add the M5 to the list however? I would take that over either of the other 2 choices.
Reply
Old Feb 7, 2007 | 10:42 AM
  #17  
Cops_h8_me!'s Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 156
Likes: 1
From: Torrance, London, Amsterdam
C63 AMG (stock right now), Beach Cruiser (debadged), Piper Cherokee 280 (too much to mention)
not possible

Originally Posted by Fifth Ring
The RS6 is a much sportier car, so if you like a car that handles well, it will certainly be the preferred choice. Better handling and better brakes. Tuning the RS6 will also be cheaper since it's all software and no hardware.

Reliability-wise, I would lean toward the E55, but in either case, a warranty would make sense.

Even though the E55 might be as rare as the RS6, I think the RS6 is likely to hold value better as a quasi-collectible car.

Lastly, the RS6 will be a great all-weather car b/c of the all wheel drive.
An audi holding value and being collectible ???


Take the Benz everyday!
Reply
Old Feb 7, 2007 | 10:47 AM
  #18  
derrick_lui's Avatar
Thread Starter
Super Member
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 980
Likes: 0
From: Boston, MA
My ex-cars: 03 E55,04 C32, 05 C55 ,03 E320
thanks for the input people!

The v10 M5 is not on the list coz I drive my gf's like everyday. We always drive each others cars. so when I get a new car, my GF's is gonna drive (either the RS6 or E55) a lot too!

Some people may say "once you drive the M5, you cant really drive any other vehicle". I disagree...the M5's engine is high rev "F-1" style as it says....I dunno if its my provlem or what, but Im not a big fan of NA high rev cars...I like FI cars ! I mean the M5 will beat many cars...but the acceleration just doesnt feel as good as..

About the RS6, I have just seen some vids ...it's quick on initial acceleration but it seems that it loses steam as it reaches around like 90 MPH...can an ECU upgrade fix this problem? Can a chipped RS6 beat a stock E55?
Reply
Old Feb 7, 2007 | 02:17 PM
  #19  
m3_eater's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 542
Likes: 1
A chipped RS6 will take down a stock E55 in a straight line. A stock RS6 will outcorner even a modded E55.
Reply
Old Feb 7, 2007 | 02:33 PM
  #20  
Fifth Ring's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,513
Likes: 0
C32 AMG
Originally Posted by Cops_h8_me!
An audi holding value and being collectible ???


Take the Benz everyday!

We're not talking straight-up resale values across the product line. We're talking about a specific model.

> RS6 engine, brakes and suspension were the highest state of the art from Audi at the time. (E55 was basically a strong engine, which was available in other models.)
> It was produced in very low numbers. (Similar to E55 but even fewer.)
> It was only sold for 2 model years. (E55 sold continuously.)
> No comparable Audi has been sold in the US since it was discontinued. (E55 is soon to be superseded by E63.)
> Audi has a strong and growing racing heritage and lots of enthusiasts are looking for cars that symbolize that heritage. The RS6 itself has a significant racing heritage in Speed World Challenge. (Blue haired ladies don't buy fast cars.)

If you trade an RS6 into CarMax you will not get much, but there is a community of enthusiasts willing to pay top dollar.

Last edited by Fifth Ring; Feb 7, 2007 at 02:39 PM.
Reply
Old Feb 7, 2007 | 02:40 PM
  #21  
2QUIK4U's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 388
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by derrick_lui
thanks for the input people!

The v10 M5 is not on the list coz I drive my gf's like everyday. We always drive each others cars. so when I get a new car, my GF's is gonna drive (either the RS6 or E55) a lot too!

Some people may say "once you drive the M5, you cant really drive any other vehicle". I disagree...the M5's engine is high rev "F-1" style as it says....I dunno if its my provlem or what, but Im not a big fan of NA high rev cars...I like FI cars ! I mean the M5 will beat many cars...but the acceleration just doesnt feel as good as..

About the RS6, I have just seen some vids ...it's quick on initial acceleration but it seems that it loses steam as it reaches around like 90 MPH...can an ECU upgrade fix this problem? Can a chipped RS6 beat a stock E55?

The RS6 does not lose steam at all! It has an extremely balanced power band (primarily due to the dual turbos) and will pull all the way to red-line. Chipping this car is not only excessive, but also stupid IMO. I have driven the RS6s on the German autobahns and in Swiss mountain passes, extensively. I can assure you that the car has plenty of power, and given that you're here in the states, you will probably rarely reach the full potential of this car. With chipping, you only open the door to a littany of warranty and reliability issues. If you decide to get the RS6, I would leave it in stock form. The car is more than perfect in the way that the Quattro GmbH designed it.
Reply
Old Feb 7, 2007 | 03:41 PM
  #22  
TopGun32's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 3,466
Likes: 10
From: Southern Cali (Ontario)
Originally Posted by m3_eater
A chipped RS6 will take down a stock E55 in a straight line. A stock RS6 will outcorner even a modded E55.
you sure about that?

the trap speed of a stock RS6 is around 108 to 110 mph.

with chip tunning alone, it will not be able to pick up 8mph of trap speed.

see here..

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...ecs_price.html

you will need more mods than just a chip to take down a stock E55.

there are few of members on this board that had modded RS6 and they felt the stock E55 was still faster.

I like the RS6, its rare, AWD and 2 turbos. But it was overpriced in 2003 and probably still overpriced today.

I would take an E39 M5 before the RS6.
Reply
Old Feb 7, 2007 | 03:52 PM
  #23  
gkstar's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 259
Likes: 0
From: Ottawa, Ontario
C32 AMG - in Pewter
This detailed review is comparing the E55 to RS6 - you may find it very informative as there are two opposite opinions at the end.

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...amg/index.html

Last edited by gkstar; Feb 7, 2007 at 04:24 PM.
Reply
Old Feb 7, 2007 | 04:17 PM
  #24  
Fifth Ring's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,513
Likes: 0
C32 AMG
Originally Posted by TopGun32

I like the RS6, its rare, AWD and 2 turbos. But it was overpriced in 2003 and probably still overpriced today.
Isn't that the very definition of strong resale value?

I think the price differential between the RS6 and E55 is because the RS6 had so much one-off technology in it (parts not found in any other Audi), and it was produced in smaller numbers. The article demonstrates that the price is not necessarily reflected in performance.

Only 1,000 4.2 twin turbo engines have been sold in the US, a small fraction of the 5.5L supercharged Benz motors sold. Maybe it's not worth paying for rarity, but have you seen a Barrett-Jackson Auction lately? Cars that are awful by today's standards are selling for hundreds of thousands of dollars because they are rare.

Personally, I like a car for what it can do, and I do not like to pay for perceived value (image or rarity). That's one reason that I would be unlikely to buy an RS6. I also believe that when you want a car that can do everything well, you really will be better off getting more than one car. With RS6 money, I could buy a simple, Japanese luxury car, and have enough left over to buy a Mitsu Evo.

Last edited by Fifth Ring; Feb 7, 2007 at 04:26 PM.
Reply
Old Feb 7, 2007 | 06:59 PM
  #25  
FrankW's Avatar
MBworld Guru
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
 
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 22,058
Likes: 18
From: Diamond Bar, CA
W206 PHEV AMG
the question is not RS6 or E55. The question is if you can even find a good example of the RS6 that people want to sell.
Reply


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 04:28 AM.

story-0
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE