I am curious to hear other C55 owners' thoughts regarding the looks of the newer C63 versus the older C55. Obviously, I am biased in my opinion, but I prefer the smoother curved look of the w203 with the w209 front end versus the "boxier" look of that of the w204. I actually wouldn't mind some of the aero package equipment that MB implemented on the C63 on my C55, as it lends the car quite an aggressive stance and appearance. That being said, the sleeper/subdued look of the C55 can be appreciated on its own merits. What I particularly care for on the C55 is the smooth lines that run from the slightly ballooned front headlights up the hood. What I wish the C55 had was wider wheel wells similar to those of the previous generation M3.

 

I'll admit that I do favor my C55. I know that the 63 has a much more powerful profile, but knowing what I've got under the hood, and still having the sleek lines that she does definitely has a secret smile on my face. Just my .02 worth

 

In my opinion, the C63 really stands out as a "special car", much more so than the C55. Even though the C55 was the first mass produced AMG car which had different sheet metal compared to the basic W203 C-class (unique flared front fenders, CLK hood), it was still very understated and you really had to be an enthusiast to know it was an AMG. This was in-line with AMG's styling intentions at the time. Looking aggressive in an over-the-top way was not the priority.....the C55 remained conservative and elegant.

With the C63, the body kit/bumper/hood and flared wheel arches were a clear departure from previous AMG cars in that the car simply looked very aggressive. Most people love it, as it has much more visual impact than every previous AMG car (with the exception of the CLK-DTM AMG and CLK AMG Black Series). Some people, however, feel that the C63 looks a bit "cartoonish" or even has elements of "rice". AMG has actually softened the look of the C63 for the upcoming facelifted model in 2012, and many existing C63 owners don't like the styling as much (not surprisingly).

Here are some more comparison pictures between the C55 and pre-facelift C63 (from a post I made when the C63 was first introduced.) The biggest difference really is in the front end of the car, where the headlights and grille are strikingly different.

 

I think the c55 looks better. I only wish the back fender was flared out a little.

 

PC Valkyrie, your entire post hit the nail on the head on describing the modifications AMG made to the C-Class between the C55 and C63 and accounting for consumers' preferences, past and present. Also, those pictures you provided are amazing considering how close both the C55 and C63 images are to being identical, down to similar lighting.

You saying the C63 stands out at as a "special car" really resonates with me as often times when I drive by an M3, S4, Corvette, etc. I always feel that the drivers of said car just see me as another w203 C-Class in the rear-view mirror until they see the flash of the quad-exhaust and C55 emblem. Sometimes I appreciate that subdued "sleeper" image, sometimes I wouldn't mind a bit more flash. Call me old school but my idea of flash would be a V8 badge on the front quarter panels of the car with shark fins in the lower corners of the front bumper, similar to those of a C63. I have yet to convince myself to make these mods.

 

+1, PC did a good job describing the differences!!! Me, I prefer the front of the 204 and the rear of the 203. The A** end of the C55 was one of their crowning achievements, save for the fact they could have done a real nice diffuser. When I see a 204 on the road, I love the front styling, BUT still think "Audi-esque" almost. It hints of the S4/A4 look. Once the 2012 gets the LED lights, the transformation to the Audi will be complete. The back-end of the 63 is almost blah, like an afterthought from the front. The tailights of the 204 are nice, BUT the rear of the car is almost not angular enough, too smooth from the C pillars down. BUT again, its all a matter of opinion, like Brinkley versus Porizkova, Seymour versus Tiegs?? Chunky versus smooth Peanut Butter!!

I was wondering, will those larger 63 tips fit the 55??

 

tips dont come separate they come with teh exhaust. I like the 63 better except for the rear as well the C55 isnt much better though.

 

PCValkyrie, who seems to have an endless supply of rare and hard to find photos of the C55, provided this image in an old thread in response to my out-loud pondering on what the C55 would look like with the C63 exhaust. Surprisingly, not as good as I would have imagined..

 

Not to change course, but I like ...

 

W202 styling is great, but I must say it looks great only from certain angles. Again, this is my personal opinion. I owned one, and loved it, even though at times looking from the back it seems a bit too frumpy.

To me the C55 is perfect. It's also very unique styling compared to all other years.

A year or two ago I went to an AMG dealer event, I got into a discussion about the look and design of the C55 with one of the reps there. I told him how I thought the curves were perfect, at which he pointed out how he thought the curves on one of the ladies near by were too. I didn't disagree, but to each his own I guess.

 

JO, you're more of a traditionalist!!! That's so old skool and those wiper headlights went out with Miami Vice 20 years ago

 

I've got no horse in this race, but I prefer the C55. It's more subtle/classy yet still aggressive which is the point of super sedans and the M5/E class approach.

C63 is more attention grabbing, but looks too aftermarket for my tastes...

 

This is an interesting thread to say the least! Here are my thoughts – Overall, I think the C55 has more of a timeless design and “may” age better in years to come. I think everything just flows together “easier” and that this is particularly evident when you look at the back profile of the C55 compared to the C63. I’ve never quite gotten used to the back profile of the C63 and at times it reminds me of the now defunct W203 C-coupe (especially the tail lights). As for the interior, well, the C55 interior is hard to criticize really. The gauge cluster, I think, is particularly striking as are the details such as the Alcantara on the seats and the overall feel of the plastics and leather. The interior certainly doesn’t look dated by any means.

Now the C63 is indeed a very special car! I think every once in awhile Mercedes AMG engineers “break the mold” when they release a new AMG model. I think the C63 fits into that category. (Another example I can think of would be the W211 E55). The C63 AMG is certainly more in your face bold. It caters more to a “want to be noticed” crowd. There is nothing wrong with that and I honestly wish the C55 had more of that factor. I love how the front bumper of the C63 has the flared wheel arches and side vents. I also like the rear diffuser and gigantic quad exhaust tips. As for the interior, the current C63 AMG is certainly nothing I would call fantastic. Now, from what I’ve seen of the 2012 facelifted pictures this has all immensely changed for the better!

 

I like the idea of the C55 being more stealthy. Keeps people from messing with you. I know when I drive my vette it seems like people want to mess with you. They want to cut you off, don't let you merge, try to race...it really gets old.

 

I've always thought that BMW did a much better job of setting apart the M's from the rest with the agressive body styling. This is what MB is doing with the C63, and I really like it. I wish my C55 didn't look anything like a C230 in regards to the nose, tail and fender flairs...but, it looks a lot like a non-AMG car. So is life. I like the new agressive styling.

 

Only thing I like better about the C55 vs. the C63 is the headlights. I like the headlights on the w203, other than that I think the C63 has a much meaner stance than the 55.

 

Only thing on the 63 that I want..the seats. Don't care about the rest of it.

 

I think I'll take the engine you leave behind.

 

I like the subtle look of the C55 more, I just wish as mentioned it had wider fenders, as the RS4 and M3 counterparts always have had.

 

Like so many before have implied, the C63 looks a little more boy-racer to me and consequently, not my preferred style or conducive to unoticed sport driving. 17 years ago when I had very noticable car I got pulled over on principle as many times as I did for cause -- not a good thing in anyone's book. Also, the C55 has better interior hands down. Don't know about the 2012 AMG c-class but like the C32 to C55 progression, I hope the interior improves.

 

I do like the W202s and think they still look good when I see them

 

I still regret having not bought a rs4 when it made its brief return.

 

Those cars look great and drive very well but no regrets here, I hear from every highend mechanic I talk to that those Audis fall apart quick.

 

I owned a B6 S4, and like you said... drove nice. But maintenance and service was beyond laughable. I couldn't return to the brand.

 

I like the C32 or C55 better. I like the peanut shaped lights. Think that they should have stayed with that look. The new look looks just like every other car on the road. I also like the look of the preface lifted SL better. And the CLK63 black series is on my short list of next cars to buy.