C32 AMG, C55 AMG (W203) 2001 - 2007

E500 handles better than C32...

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Old Jan 28, 2004 | 01:01 PM
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E500 handles better than C32...

After test driving an 04' E500 I concluded that the car outhandles my C32. I felt the airmatic sport suspension really inspired more confidence in turns and handled high speeds better too. Does anyone know if MB is planning on going with an airmatic suspension on the upcoming C55?
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Old Jan 28, 2004 | 01:19 PM
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Nope. No Airmatic in the C-Class. We'll have to stick to the normal suspension. But that's not a bad thing
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Old Jan 28, 2004 | 01:37 PM
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Sorry that is just plain wrong. The E500 is a fat pig compared to the c32. what are your categories for determining good handling?
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Old Jan 28, 2004 | 02:53 PM
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I think the airmatic suspension makes you feel like the handling is better. My dad has a 2003 E500 sport and the handling is definitely not as crisp as the c32. Although it does feel very confortable when turning (little sway). When pushed to the limits and on paper, its clearly not as good.

c32
braking 118ft
600ft slalom 67.3mph
skidpad 0.85

e500
braking 124ft
600ft slalom 64mph
skidpad 0.83
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Old Jan 28, 2004 | 02:58 PM
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The E500 only weighs 272 lbs more.

From MBUSA:
C32- 3540 lbs
E500- 3812 lbs

Plus, the E-class has a superior chassis to our C. The combination of the air-matic suspension and this make up for the little extra weight it carries. I am hoping the next C class gets the air-matic setup. Either way, a coilovered C32 handles much better than both.
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Old Jan 28, 2004 | 04:26 PM
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The internal word from AMG on the C55 is that it will be their best handling sedan ever...
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Old Jan 28, 2004 | 09:46 PM
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it makes you feel that way because the car is riding on a wider track. The same type of feel that I get when I'm driving my brother's 528i.
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Old Jan 29, 2004 | 12:27 AM
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I would just like to know how you came to your conclusion that the E500 handles better?

What? Did you give it the ole Car Driver vigorous test with the sales guy? Not likely? What exactly led you to your "conclusion?"

Hey car salesman guy, better buckle up...this turn may be a doosy! YEEEEEEEEEE HAAAAAAA!
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Old Jan 29, 2004 | 02:42 AM
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From: Lean runner
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Happen to race friend's E500 w C32AMG

E500 is quick but he slow down in turns, why ? he lose confidence at high speed cornering & C32 just cut it
with a tiny more confidence.
I'd say C32 wins but only a little !
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Old Jan 29, 2004 | 10:21 AM
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Originally posted by AMG Fan
The E500 only weighs 272 lbs more.

From MBUSA:
C32- 3540 lbs
E500- 3812 lbs
Ok I guess to some, nearly 300lbs is "only" a slight bump.

Man o man.
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Old Jan 29, 2004 | 12:26 PM
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I think the c32 has the potential to be a great handling car. The chassis is great and it is much more simpler in terms of suspension and electronic systems.

I am a big fan of ABC (active body control). I have driven an SL55 through the canyons and it really takes away the size of the car.

However in terms of modding I would only do the c32. I think ESP and BAS are enough. I wouldn't want airmatic, ABC, SBC, and anyther BC's you can throw on there.

If the C32 is modded it can handle better than any other car in the Mercedes lineup (save the new clk 55 and slr of course).
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Old Jan 29, 2004 | 02:56 PM
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My reasoning was that it wasnt' a pig compared to the C32. FYI, 272lbs isn't that much more weight.
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Old Jan 30, 2004 | 01:11 AM
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Also tire has a big factor in handdling, do both cars have the same tire?
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Old Jan 30, 2004 | 01:17 AM
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Originally posted by AMG Fan
My reasoning was that it wasnt' a pig compared to the C32. FYI, 272lbs isn't that much more weight.
believe what you want. Let me just add a nice 300lbs lead weight to your car. No big deal.
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Old Jan 30, 2004 | 04:13 AM
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Originally posted by AMG Fan
My reasoning was that it wasnt' a pig compared to the C32. FYI, 272lbs isn't that much more weight.
that is a lot of weight difference. The M3 CSL is lighter by around 300lb to the M3, but the M3 CSL is a much more potent car all around.
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Old Jan 30, 2004 | 12:34 PM
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Originally posted by FrankW
that is a lot of weight difference. The M3 CSL is lighter by around 300lb to the M3, but the M3 CSL is a much more potent car all around.

Good example, but I will say, yes 300 lbs to some is not a big deal, esp if all you do is street posing...but if you are actually looking to get the best performance from your car, from say...the TRACK...300lbs is a big deal and yes it is VERY noticeable in the handling.

Take a 360lbs 600 sport bike and compare it to a 375lbs sport bike that has 30more HP...the 600 is so much more nimble and flickable. If you rode and tracked a bike, you would understand better.
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Old Jan 31, 2004 | 06:20 AM
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hey guys,

in the world of high performance cars 300lbs is quite a bit.
i am surprised that it is only 300lbs because the E has a
much larger appearance to me. for the E to even be compared
to a C32 does say a lot for how much MB is impoving the
handling of it's main stream sedans.
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Old Jan 31, 2004 | 10:01 AM
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Originally posted by s4iscool
Ok I guess to some, nearly 300lbs is "only" a slight bump.

Man o man.
It is like carrying an NFL defensive lineman around in your truck all the time.

BTW, the new S4 is a bit of a porker too!
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Old Jan 31, 2004 | 05:16 PM
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I agree that as far as luxo sedans go the E500 is a pretty nice car. It is very quick for its size and intended use, but my experience with both clearly favors the C32 especially when you start to push them. The E understeers on hard turn in and does not respond well to throttle input, whereis the C32 reacts positivley to throttle inputs and only loses its poise at a fairly high rate of speed and cornering loads/transitions.
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Old Jan 31, 2004 | 09:29 PM
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we have a e500, and ive been on a canyon run with my friends C32. no doubt the c32 handles better. i truly dont like the heaviness of the e500, it handles well, but nothing like the c32.
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Old Feb 4, 2004 | 09:12 PM
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how bout new E55 vs. C32?
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Old Feb 4, 2004 | 09:20 PM
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Originally posted by vlix
how bout new E55 vs. C32?
hmm...hard decision. I'd say that the C32's more nimble, but the E55 probably grabs the road a lot better (wider track, tires, etc).
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