'05-'06 C55 AMG or Audi S4?
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From: Miami Beach
2006 CLS55 AMG Sold 2010 E550 Coupe totaled by mechanic, '13 SL550 I totaled it, 2017 SL63 current
'05-'06 C55 AMG or Audi S4?
I know this is a Benz forum but I am sure some of you had the same issue. I am looking for a fast sedan for DD (60 mile round trip)use. Both are roughly the same price $25k+/-. Never owned a Benz but have owned Audi and BMW and loved both. Looking for pros and cons of each and why you chose one over the other. I don't really need the awd even though I live in NY. I have an suv for bad/winter weather. I like a 6sp but some times get stuck on the hwy in traffic so it also is not a priority. The AMG has me looking hard but I do really like the S4 as well. Looking to buy in the next month or two, Thanks!
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From: Orange County
2019 AMG C43
One of my good friends has a S4 so maybe my observations can help.
My interior is far superior to the Audi. Where as the Audi is still nice and sporty the AMG adds that luxury element. Especially with the Command Nav the Audi lacks in amenities. Same goes for the seats.
Outside styling is about the same. Our C55 (to the general public/un-knowledgeable person) looks like a normal C-Class, while the S4 looks just like an A4. Oh and the AMG sounds so much better than the S4.
Performance is quite different. The S4(340hp) can only do 0-60 in 5.5 sec vs the 4.8 in the C55(364hp). You can definitely feel the difference in speeds when you lay on the throttle. On the twisties, he can never pull from me even with his AWD... but that may be more driver than car
The auto vs manual is a large difference. There are times where I wish I had a stick, but after sitting in traffic monday-friday I am very glad I have the auto; although with the tiptronic the auto can still be plenty of fun.
umm.... what else... reliability. Neither of us have had any real issues with the cars... although he has had to replace something involving his clutch(not sure exactly what)
ill try and think of other comparisons
My interior is far superior to the Audi. Where as the Audi is still nice and sporty the AMG adds that luxury element. Especially with the Command Nav the Audi lacks in amenities. Same goes for the seats.
Outside styling is about the same. Our C55 (to the general public/un-knowledgeable person) looks like a normal C-Class, while the S4 looks just like an A4. Oh and the AMG sounds so much better than the S4.
Performance is quite different. The S4(340hp) can only do 0-60 in 5.5 sec vs the 4.8 in the C55(364hp). You can definitely feel the difference in speeds when you lay on the throttle. On the twisties, he can never pull from me even with his AWD... but that may be more driver than car
The auto vs manual is a large difference. There are times where I wish I had a stick, but after sitting in traffic monday-friday I am very glad I have the auto; although with the tiptronic the auto can still be plenty of fun.
umm.... what else... reliability. Neither of us have had any real issues with the cars... although he has had to replace something involving his clutch(not sure exactly what)
ill try and think of other comparisons
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Current: C217 V12TT AMG Previously: C55 AMG, SL65 AMG
My brother has an '06 S4 and I own an '05 C55. Honestly, they're both fantastic cars and I'd take either one.
Didn't help, I know, but just wanted to say that I don't see any major cons in either of the two choices - you should be happy with either one.
Didn't help, I know, but just wanted to say that I don't see any major cons in either of the two choices - you should be happy with either one.
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none
A4 and S4's have a lot more aftermarket support for the cars. I have seen 300HP plus out of an A4 with the APR packages and still get 30mpg cruising. I disagree with Mr SPeical's assertion that our interior is better. Maybe fit and finish is about the same. But with the S4 you get recaros and a top of the line nav system. Our Nav is hardly top of the line. My freind has an exhaust on his and it sounds awesome. I would venture to say bc of AWD they handle better too. However they are slow pigs and will get slaughtered in the meelee.
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Cee Fiddy Five
I think I prefer the newer interior of C classes to the S4's, but the S4's over the older interior.
Also, how much aftermarket support is there for the S4 na V8? As much as our C55's I would guess.
Go for the AMG.
Also, how much aftermarket support is there for the S4 na V8? As much as our C55's I would guess.
Go for the AMG.
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From: Orange County
2019 AMG C43
hahaI still do like our seats better overall. His are definitely cool(being Racaros) but the Mercedes seats just feel nicer to me, while still giving the support for "spirited" driving
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From: Glendale Arizona
C55,SL55,C63
do you plan on modding the car? Both cars are great. The Nav in the C55 is not that great. The low end torque from the 55 motor is awesome. Jeremy Clarkson back in the day would have chosen the C55 and James May would have gone with the S4. So, Top Gear speaking are you a Jeremy Clarkson or a James May?
EDIT: the NAV in the c55 makes me think im working in AutoCAD, minus anything cool that autocad does.
EDIT: the NAV in the c55 makes me think im working in AutoCAD, minus anything cool that autocad does.
Last edited by hooleyboy; Jul 29, 2009 at 07:26 PM.
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From: Miami Beach
2006 CLS55 AMG Sold 2010 E550 Coupe totaled by mechanic, '13 SL550 I totaled it, 2017 SL63 current
I am heavily leaning towards the 55 for a few reasons. Unless a screaming S4 deal comes my way that I can't pass up, it will be the AMG. Mods will be kept to a minimum...exhaust, slight drop, rims. Depending on color white or black I will paint the badges, grill, smoke taillights, side markers etc. I like to switch things up and since I already had a 2000 Stg2 ++ S4 and I know the V8 is a different car, I still want to try something new. I have been lurking this forum now for a couple of months and I am getting that feeling in my brain that this is where I want to be. I appreciate all of the comments, keep them coming!
PS- I guess I am more Clarkson!
PS- I guess I am more Clarkson!
Last edited by griza; Jul 29, 2009 at 07:49 PM.
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Former Vendor of MBWorld
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From: Glendale Arizona
C55,SL55,C63
I am heavily leaning towards the 55 for a few reasons. Unless a screaming S4 deal comes my way that I can't pass up, it will be the AMG. Mods will be kept to a minimum...exhaust, slight drop, rims. Depending on color white or black I will paint the badges, grill, smoke taillights, side markers etc. I like to switch things up and since I already had a 2000 Stg2 ++ S4 and I know the V8 is a different car, I still want to try something new. I have been lurking this forum now for a couple of months and I am getting that feeling in my brain that this is where I want to be. I appreciate all of the comments, keep them coming!
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Dunno about the "tight steering" The steering is probably the worst thing about the car. It's good for grandma but is terrible in all settings... The BS rack makes it like a p-car however. 
The turning radius is crap from it however.
The turning radius is crap from it however.
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03 g35 coupe...........02 c32 Sold
you forgot to mention...you'll get better mpg with c55 since its rwd vs awd. Lol i know its mote, but still something to consider. I remember in my c32 i got as high at 27mpg on the highway when my gf drove my car from vegas. I usually average around 22mpg since i have a heavy foot.
someone to think about since gas prices are going to go up when the economy picks up. Something to think about if your driving 60miles a day.
someone to think about since gas prices are going to go up when the economy picks up. Something to think about if your driving 60miles a day.
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08 S65, 06 M3 CS(stick), 02 BMW X5 4.6iS, 07 R1 Raven, 08 F-450 4x4, 08 CooperS JCW
V8 S4 has the better interior and exhaust note....C55 has more speed and is rarer.
Of the two, I'd take the C55 unless I lived in Alaska or another snowy state....but both are nice rides
Of the two, I'd take the C55 unless I lived in Alaska or another snowy state....but both are nice rides
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From: Orange County
2019 AMG C43
Unless you go aftermarket mufflers I would completely disagree with that. My buddys S4 sounds very quiet and weak for a v8 performance german sedan. Hell compaired to say a CLK500 it doent make any more noise, disappointing
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Current: C217 V12TT AMG Previously: C55 AMG, SL65 AMG
I also disagree, my C55 definitely sounds better both when idling and under full throttle.
Doesn't sound better when it's cold though and you get that secondary air whine. Man do I hate that.
Doesn't sound better when it's cold though and you get that secondary air whine. Man do I hate that.
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From: Canada
C55 AMG, 135i, 911 GT3, GLE43 AMG
Back in 2004, the key players in this segment were the E46 M3 (the benchmark), the B6 S4, and the "new" 2005 C55 AMG. They were all priced similarly at the time as direct competitors. If you wanted 4 doors, the C55 and S4 were your only choices. The much more pricey and capable B7 RS4 and the performance bargain E90/92 335i were 2 years away from being introduced in North America.
Looking at the numbers, the C55 performed better than the B6/B7 S4 in every way. The C55 was faster in straight line acceleration, the C55 had higher skidpad grip/slalom speeds, and the C55 had shorter braking distances. The C55 consumed less fuel too.
The main advantage the S4 had was AWD, which can be a great help for a daily driver in the winter if there was deep unshoveled snow. The S4 also was available with a manual transmission, which was another key factor in its favour if you wanted to row through gears with a clutch.
I'm not going to comment on looks (exterior or interior), as that is purely subjective and different people will have their personal preferences. I also think that the stock C55 V8 exhaust sounds deeper and more aggressive than the S4.
Looking at the numbers, the C55 performed better than the B6/B7 S4 in every way. The C55 was faster in straight line acceleration, the C55 had higher skidpad grip/slalom speeds, and the C55 had shorter braking distances. The C55 consumed less fuel too.
The main advantage the S4 had was AWD, which can be a great help for a daily driver in the winter if there was deep unshoveled snow. The S4 also was available with a manual transmission, which was another key factor in its favour if you wanted to row through gears with a clutch.
I'm not going to comment on looks (exterior or interior), as that is purely subjective and different people will have their personal preferences. I also think that the stock C55 V8 exhaust sounds deeper and more aggressive than the S4.
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From: People's Republic of California (Southern Region)
C55 AMG, CLK550
Well I went down this road before I bought the C55. I drove the S4 and it was a nice but lacked the fun factor. The C55 had that lower end grunt that makes it fun. I have no complaints about the S4. If it had a crisper feel and a bet more torque then it would have been a closer decision. I do not drive my 55 everyday but I have been stuck in 405 traffic at 4:30 in the afternoon near LAX and it's the ****s. In those circumstances either one, as long as it is an auto would be fine. If you're looking to Mod the Car then Hooley here will be able to give you some good intell on the 55. I think all and all the C55 is a more bang for the buck car as long as they are both stock and you are comparing them apples for apples.
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From: Brooklyn
2009 Mini Cooper Clubman S
This was exactly the decision I had to make, and I chose the C55 basically because of the intangible sense that I just liked it more. The C55 is, as people have mentioned, noticeably faster than the S4, but I have to agree with Moosejaw that the interior is superior on the Audi. Also the Bose sound system is better than our POS Harmon Kardon, IMO (then again ANYTHING would be better than the speakers we have).
The point made about the C55 being rarer is definitely true. I have seen multiple S4s on the road, probably 10 or so since I bought my car, and in that same time I have only seen 1 C55.
At the end of the day drive both, and one of them should speak to you. If its really a toss up, then get the C55 based solely on performance.
I guarantee one thing though, you really won't be disappointed by either car.
The point made about the C55 being rarer is definitely true. I have seen multiple S4s on the road, probably 10 or so since I bought my car, and in that same time I have only seen 1 C55.
At the end of the day drive both, and one of them should speak to you. If its really a toss up, then get the C55 based solely on performance.
I guarantee one thing though, you really won't be disappointed by either car.
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c55 amg
Check out these articles:
http://www.roadandtrack.com/article....rticle_id=1602
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...c55_amg_page_2
http://www.roadandtrack.com/article....rticle_id=1602
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...c55_amg_page_2
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From: AL,IL, GA, CA
CLS, SLK, ETC
I'll say C55 is more exclusive and has more wow factor... Top of that, its alot more faster and fun to drive...
S4 is nice looking + great in all weather + awesome interior is ++++
good luck
S4 is nice looking + great in all weather + awesome interior is ++++
good luck
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From: NA
Yes
The biggest difference I felt in driving the S4 vs the C55 is the S4 just feels heavy. Couldnt tell you the true weights but the driving experience would lead you to believe the S4 is wayyy heavier....it does not feel nimble at all, kind of lethargic.
I would take the C55 hands down in every way except driving in snow/ice.
I would take the C55 hands down in every way except driving in snow/ice.
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From: Canada
C55 AMG, 135i, 911 GT3, GLE43 AMG
If what you are referring to are the analog knobs to set the temperature/fan speed as opposed to an electronic digital display, then yes, some people may not like it as much. But get over it.......such a minor cosmetic thing should not (for most performance car enthusiasts) be a major factor in deciding whether to get a car or not.
My wife has a B6 A4 wagon. I think the A4 interior materials are of a higher quality than the W203 C-class, but whether it actually looks better than the facelifted W203 interior is subjective. Don't get confused about the very nice B7 RS4 interior or the newer B8 S4/S5 interiors.. The B6 S4 interior is not that spectacular. Here are 2 comparison pics (both 2005 models, both N. American spec, and both taken with the same perspective).
2005 S4
2005 C55 AMG
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From: Miami Beach
2006 CLS55 AMG Sold 2010 E550 Coupe totaled by mechanic, '13 SL550 I totaled it, 2017 SL63 current
These are great responses, thanks! I have all but made up my mind to go for the C55. Is there any quirkes that bother any one? Like when I had my Cayenne Turbo S, it would start in second gear if I didn't shift it down. It would shift into the next higher gear immediately before you got a chance to step on it, like around a slow turn. Stuff like that is what I am looking for, annoying attributes. Weird controls, like someone mentioned the A/C and the harmon kardon stereo....anything else? It will be my daily driver so I would like to know as much about it as possible including the bad. It will be difficult to spend any time around one since they are so few around. Do all '05-'06 C55's have nav? Bluetooth? Auto up windows all around? Why are the headliners gray even in cars that have black interiors?
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From: Fort lauderdale, Florida
2005 Red C55 AMG and 2009 Harley davidson NIghtster SIlver and black
And last but not least, great question. lol i have no idea. but thats cosmetic. Always able to change.
Any specific car color your looking for?
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LS430
C55 all the way! Someone posted the Road and Track comparo article and here is the spec sheet for that article.
http://www.roadandtrack.com/assets/d...di_mb_data.pdf
The C55 is lighter and out accelerated, out handled(skidpad and slalom), out braked and even got better gas mileage than the S4 given what they tested and got. The C55 is rarer, faster and IMHO a better package to daily drive given the automatic that still has a tiptronic feature to bring in more driver involvement.
Torque stats got listed a 60-100 mph of 6.1 for the C55, that's neck and neck with a V12 Vanquish and Audi R8 and .2 seconds quicker than an IS-F. I love the rarity and out of the box package of the C55.
http://www.roadandtrack.com/assets/d...di_mb_data.pdf
The C55 is lighter and out accelerated, out handled(skidpad and slalom), out braked and even got better gas mileage than the S4 given what they tested and got. The C55 is rarer, faster and IMHO a better package to daily drive given the automatic that still has a tiptronic feature to bring in more driver involvement.
Torque stats got listed a 60-100 mph of 6.1 for the C55, that's neck and neck with a V12 Vanquish and Audi R8 and .2 seconds quicker than an IS-F. I love the rarity and out of the box package of the C55.
