speedybenz

I am wondering if the newer W203 chassis is a lot stiffer than the older 1999, W202 and 2000, W208 chassis.

If so how does this translate to the track performance.

Any ideas on what it takes to stiffen the older chassis to comparable levels.

Jeff

Larry Sonsini

C'mon Speedy...looks like it's time to bite the bullet and get a cage!

C280Sportster

There isn't much on the W203 that is better than a W202, but this is one of the few things. I've read (maybe here) that the W203 is "stiffer". I'll look for some handling numbers...

Are you thinking of getting a C32 ? I think your next MB should be an E55 !


Ok, I found this:


http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/roadt...8/article.html

"Underneath that new sheetmetal is an all-new body structure. Mercedes says it is 26 percent stiffer in static torsional resistance, while bending resistance is 50 percent improved. The front strut-type suspension design has been updated by utilizing two lower links, along with coil springs, twin-tube gas shocks and an antiroll bar. By using two lower links instead of one large link (or control arm), Mercedes says front-impact crash absorption is enhanced. The rear multi-link suspension has also been updated to improve vehicle stability and wheel control at high cornering speeds. Complementing the improved stability are larger and thicker brake rotors, new brake calipers and a more powerful brake booster. There is also a new rack-and-pinion steering system, a change from the previous C-Class' recirculating-ball steering design."

"Equipped with the sport package, our test car's handling abilities seemed better than the old C280 and certainly closer to the high-performance C43. Like most Mercedes cars, the car conveys a sense of solid stability. But driven back to back against a 330i, we would say that the C320's suspension engineers still have some more work to do before they can claim superiority. On twisty canyon roads, the C320 doesn't inspire the confidence or generate the level of enthusiasm that the BMW can. There's more body roll (it's 123 pounds heavier than the 2000 C280), and the theoretical payoff in terms of better ride quality doesn't seem to be there."


There you go !