cntlaw

I never test-driven a MB with 7G, I am just a little surprised that a 7G has significant time lack comparing with your C32 5-speed? Yes, love the heated seats on my C55 (we did have a month of cold mornings so I finally had the chance to switch them on!)

iguess

a c55 is probally faster than the clk550, because the CLK is one heavy car. C32, probally not. i agree that the exhaust note on CLK (maybe c classes too?) are louder than S classes. An older gentlemen wouldnt want to drive an S550 that sounds like a sport car.

PC Valkyrie

Where did you get this piece of information? I was under the impression the the AMG suspension on the C55 is NOT the same as the standard C-class "sport" sedan. If you've ever ridden in a C55, the suspension feels much stiffer than a W203 C-class sport sedan.

Despite being a heavier car, the C55's handling numbers (skidpad grip, slalom speeds) are consistently higher than the W203 C350 sport sedan when you look at magazine tests (R&T, C&D, MT), suggesting it handles better on a track.

e1000

jesus christ it's like talking to a bunch of apple zealots.

2006 C350 Sport Sedan:

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...ticleId=108588 (slalom 67.5mph)
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...port_road_test (0.83g)

2006 C55 AMG:

http://www.fantasycars.com/sedans/HT..._amg_w203.html (slalom 67.5mph)
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...ecs_price.html (slalom 67.5mph, skidpad 0.84g)

The C55 only weighs maybe 100lbs more than a C350 sport sedan. I wouldn't call the differences above earth shattering by any means.

and for the record I have spent quite a bit of time in a very wide variety of C-Class cars including the C55. I am in no way saying that the C350 or any other C-class car is equal to that of the C32/C55. All I am saying is that MB has borrowed MANY parts from AMG and applied them to the normal sedans.

PC Valkyrie

Take it easy, man. Chill. I was just wondering whether your claim was true (the one where you say the W203 Sport Sedans have the same suspension components as the C55). I always thought they were different (and I still think they are different). Do you know of any documentation saying they are the same? For my own interest's sake, I'm really interested.

And next time you pull out numbers, at least try comparing tests of the cars from the SAME magazine, rather than hand picking convenient ones from different tests with different testing procedures. Here are the mainstream magazines with established testing procedures. All consistent, which also agrees with the subjective driving experience.

Motortrend C350/C55:
skidpad: 0.83g/0.84g
600ft slalom: 64.6mph/67.5mph

Road & Track C350/C55:
200ft skidpad: 0.85g/0.86g
700ft slalom: 66.4mph/67.6mph

Car & Driver C350/C55:
300ft skidpad: 0.83g/0.85
lane change: not reported/66.4mph

c32used

Funny how this is a discussion over other cars you guys are much to testie..the OP was amazed by how the CLK550 was and by no means said it to create this so guys please lets stay on topic.....there is a reason why the AMG and regular MB sedans are different and the higher price tag says it all. Just keep in mind they are all lovely cars.

e1000

I really am done with this thread. If you guys think that an AMG car is just going to be magically faster than a non-AMG benz, you'll probably be right most of the time, but not all the time. The CLK550 is a great example, especially with the sport suspension package.

mancic32

I test drove CLK 550 as well and yes it does pull hard, but shifts are definetly slower, very noticable comparing to my C32, all though it feels faster from 2k rpm to 4500 rpm, it seems like C32 pulls harder up to the red line. I think CLK 55 AMG is faster though, don't 550s trap 105-106 mph and 55s trap 108mph?

cntlaw

The fact you were saying a true AMG is not always faster than a non-AMG because a C350/CLK550 also carry a lot of 'AMG parts' or a suspension system as sportier as the AMG, is basically the same old story when people comparing M3 E46 with the 335i E92. It is just a nice thing to happen if a newer generation non-M Coupe (cheaper) is performing close to what the older generation Flagship M coupe (expensive), but it still doesn't make people to stop believing 'a M car is magically faster than a non-M car! '.

However, I can agree with you a CLK550 can be as fast as a C55AMG in general situation, but I have yet to see more data if a C350 W203 or even the C350 W204 are beating a C32/C55AMG W203.

Also, you were not comparing apple to apple, a CLK550 C209 (388hp, V8 DOHC ) should be compared with the CLK63AMG.

MarcusF

I've driven both the W209 CLK55 and the W209 CLK550 press cars at Willow Springs Raceway. The 2007 CLK550 felt as fast, if not faster in a straight line. One thing that stood out was the 7G never lets the CLK550 out of it's powerband. These are the overall ratios (the combination of the trans and the diff): The CLK550 - first 11.6, second 7.58, third 5.09, fourth 3.63, fifth 2.65, sixth 2.17, and seventh 1.93. The CLK55 has these - first 10.04, second 6.18, third 3.98, fourth 2.82, and fifth 2.34.

There is absolutely no comparison between an M156 powered CLK and any other CLK. Period. It's not apples to anything. Even with the top down, the M156 walks away from both the CLK550 and the CLK55. Too bad the CLK63 coupe wasn't released in the US.

jturkel

I must agree with the text i bolded. I think that CLK550 feels faster because of the very broad powerband and that low-end torque. I actually just dropped it off and picked up my C32 and it definitely feels different. Once again, I confirmed my initial belief and feeling that the C32's AMG SpeedShift shifts gears more quickly and the suspension is DEFINITELY more stiff on the C32. After going from the CLK550 back to the C32, I had to actually try to turn the steering wheel.

MB_Forever

Relax and read back what I posted. I never said AMG will magically win over non-AMG benzes. I was trying to make the point that given two similarly powered vehicles (ex: 350 hp to 350 hp), one being an AMG, and the other being just a regular benz, the AMG vehicle should have an edge. This is primarily due to many of the high performance AMG parts and tuning that may be present on the AMG vehicle but not on the regular benz. This may include but not limited to AMG ECU tuning, AMG tranny modifications, enhanced engine internals, light-weight wheels, rotors, suspension, tires, etc....

I think the only way to settle this is to get someone to drive a C32/C55 and try a couple of runs maybe with a G-Tech then do the same with CLK550 and see which is faster

BLKCLK550

I have 09 clk550 anyone in tristate area with a stock clk55amg or c32amg that care to run a few time and put this argument to a rest?

i let my friend take my clk for a quick spin
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W79yaTnqGvY

i ran a moded Evo9
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRQ3H_VFQuI

and a stage 2 Legacy GT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uumeJ1aliEg

Hjartarson

I don't even get a replacement car when I bring my C32 in for service, and I'm pretty sure I pay about double what you guys pay

Nachtsturm

jturkel

i'd race but im not stock nor local

c32used

Be careful out there guys/gals a wreck ain't funny if it happens

jturkel

of course! though im not getting involved in this race. mine are in mexico or at the local drag strip.

BLKCLK550

you in tristate area?

Nachtsturm

Which tri-state? I am located near a tri-state.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tri-state_area

BLKCLK550

meh im in NYC

Nachtsturm

Too bad. I am in the chicago one.

BLKCLK550

i saw a convertible clk55 amg today but it was in rush hour....

QuadBenz

BLKCLK- Your CLK sounds pretty nice!
I wish my S550 had an exhaust more like your CLK's or my SL's.

BLKCLK550

hey thank you yeah for a stock exaust i love it but i want it a bit louder =D