Interesting how Motor Trend didn't include the C32
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Super Member
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: NYC
C32 AMG, C300 Sport
Interesting how Motor Trend didn't include the C32
I was very surprised that the C32 was not included in the face off. I also think the SLK roadster whipped the M roadsters booty. The article with the cars they used and the comparisons they made was fine. I still like the MB products better and those results didnt bother or sway my opinion about MB AT ALL. But what about that C32? Ya think they were a little scared?... that a four door sedan could beat down there most famous 2 door? nah...
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From: Sitting behind thing freakin desk of mine. Dreaming I was playing my Taylors, and driving my Benz. Long Live The VRAA!!!!!!
C230 Sports Coupe
Well if you read the last line or so of the article between the CLk and M3 it states that that is the ultimate roadster. WHAT ABOUT THE SL55? I dare motor trend to put a C32 up against a 540.
If you go back and look at the ads in the mag over the last 6 months, guess which car maker had the most. BMW more ads = more $
If you go back and look at the ads in the mag over the last 6 months, guess which car maker had the most. BMW more ads = more $
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Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Lincoln, NE
2000 BMW Z3 2.3 Roadster (hardtop current ly attached)
Never believe anything you read in Motor Trend, they are seriously full of it... for example I point you here, its a little dated, and it may take a while to make sense, but it is definitely representative of the way things happen at MT... it seems that Automobile, R&T, and C/D have vastly superior reputations in this industry... here's a some more info on why enjoy!
I too think that comparing the M3 and CLK55 is a bit off... the real comparisons are the M3 and C32 and the M5 and the E55... there are really no other good comparisons with the AMG models (maybe SL55 and Z8??? but not really)... the CLK is not nearly the sports car that the 3-series is and there is no M7 to compete with the S55... the upcomming M6 will be a good challenge for the CL55 AND the CLK55.
the M roadster is really in its own little world, as is the M coupe and the SLK32. on the other hand, the SLK230 vs. Z3 2.5 would be a nice matchup (both offer manual trannies), as would the SLK320 vs. Z3 3.0 (again, choose your transmission). the M roadster is only really comparable to the A/C Shelby Cobra and the Jaguar XKE... nothing else really possesses the elemental verve that the M roadster claims.
The SLK32 is a very unique animal, it has impeccable road manners and can be driven as a boulevarier without incident, in fact, it relishes the role of leisurely transport thanks to the solid chasis and isolated ride. the Z3(M) is the eternal opposite as a car where a POWER softop is optional... and the only hardtop is a removable unit thats an extra $2,000. the car is pretty flexible and is far from polite over poor surfaces. when all is said and done, it is clear that while the cars are price-sompetitive, the only way to approach the versatility of the SLK32 is to buy and M coupe and an M roadster... and that IS expensive. there just a bad comparisson, thats all.
If I had to choose winners in the M vs. AMG battles I'd pick these winners.
C32 vs. M3 -- C32 (practicality, looks, forced induction)
SLK32 vs. Mcoupe vs. M roadster -- M Coupe (its all about the driving experience -- and the trans)
M3 vs. CLK55 -- CLK55 (looks, and V8 torque... transmission choice almost kills it though)
M3 vert vs. CLK Cabrio -- M3 (totally don't like the lines on the topless CLK)
E55 vs. M5 -- draw... E55 looks better inside and out, M5 has the handling edge. acceleration is pretty even, as is price and equipment.
also... when determining which AMG ?32 to test... the SLK is the fastest in a straight line, so that would somewhat shape the choice.
I too think that comparing the M3 and CLK55 is a bit off... the real comparisons are the M3 and C32 and the M5 and the E55... there are really no other good comparisons with the AMG models (maybe SL55 and Z8??? but not really)... the CLK is not nearly the sports car that the 3-series is and there is no M7 to compete with the S55... the upcomming M6 will be a good challenge for the CL55 AND the CLK55.
the M roadster is really in its own little world, as is the M coupe and the SLK32. on the other hand, the SLK230 vs. Z3 2.5 would be a nice matchup (both offer manual trannies), as would the SLK320 vs. Z3 3.0 (again, choose your transmission). the M roadster is only really comparable to the A/C Shelby Cobra and the Jaguar XKE... nothing else really possesses the elemental verve that the M roadster claims.
The SLK32 is a very unique animal, it has impeccable road manners and can be driven as a boulevarier without incident, in fact, it relishes the role of leisurely transport thanks to the solid chasis and isolated ride. the Z3(M) is the eternal opposite as a car where a POWER softop is optional... and the only hardtop is a removable unit thats an extra $2,000. the car is pretty flexible and is far from polite over poor surfaces. when all is said and done, it is clear that while the cars are price-sompetitive, the only way to approach the versatility of the SLK32 is to buy and M coupe and an M roadster... and that IS expensive. there just a bad comparisson, thats all.
If I had to choose winners in the M vs. AMG battles I'd pick these winners.
C32 vs. M3 -- C32 (practicality, looks, forced induction)
SLK32 vs. Mcoupe vs. M roadster -- M Coupe (its all about the driving experience -- and the trans)
M3 vs. CLK55 -- CLK55 (looks, and V8 torque... transmission choice almost kills it though)
M3 vert vs. CLK Cabrio -- M3 (totally don't like the lines on the topless CLK)
E55 vs. M5 -- draw... E55 looks better inside and out, M5 has the handling edge. acceleration is pretty even, as is price and equipment.
also... when determining which AMG ?32 to test... the SLK is the fastest in a straight line, so that would somewhat shape the choice.
