TammamB

If price wasn't a big deal (i know there is a ~$35k diifference but he for the sake of argument), which of the two would be more attractive.

E55: More options / luxury and I believe it is faster?

C55: Smaller, sportier....but can it be easily modified to kill an e55? Better handling?

BrabusW203

Estimated price of a C55:
$65-70K usd?

Price of a fully loaded E55:
$90-98K usd?

30+K difference like you said, so personally, I would never see myself driving a stock vehicle. The C55 loaded with extra goodies gets my vote

Accomplice8

A more likely comparison in 6 months:
Used 2003 E55 $65,000
New 2005 C55 $6X,000

The E55 is in my future.

Kevin

Nickerz

Yep, I've been contemplating the same thing. E55 vs. C55? Since I have until...what...September at the latest ? maybe July at the earliest ? for the C55 to come out, I have some time to sort it out and save.

But consider this...

I really can't see the C55 going for $65K b/c how can MB justify that price when it's too close to a CLK55 AMG ($70K)? Sure it's Sedan vs. Coupe but damn, I think for the money it would drive people towards splurging for a CLK. And now look...it's already got people thinking about an E55. So hopefully MB comes to their senses and doesn't get too greedy asking for $65 for a damn C-class.

We'll see.

BrabusW203

The E55 can depreciate that much? I highly doubt it though there's no harm in wishful thinking

Harris

DEFINITELY a E55, C55 is a much inferior car in terms of power and handling. But mind you, E60 is supposed to be on its way!!!

t-bone

my biased opinion: E55

more luxury and more available options.

vinmanc32

easy call.... do you spend 55k or 80k? lots more car for a lot more money.

moa4r

hands down e55 it is without a doubt is a better car and i'd most likely keep the engine stock

Nickerz

See, I'm not sure if the C55 will be only $55K as I've heard some speculate that the price may only go up between $5K - $7K from the C32. Then others are predicting as high as $65K for the new C55.

So do you splurge a little more for an E55 if the C55 does come in around $65? I say yes, or consider a CLK55 for about $70K Or if the C55 stays around $55K, I'm thinking of sticking with it to give MB more time to come out with an E55 that will be faster than BMW's M5.

AMG Fan

These cars aren't even in the same league. E55 without a doubt!

m123456

Way back btwn m3 and m5 and the interesting thing to me is that the arguement(s) were more about sport coupe vs. luxury sedan. Here it seems like everyone would take an e55 if price were a non issue and even sometimes when it is. Shouldn't the c55 handle much much much better than the e? Seems like a good reason to me and probably why I'd prefer it.

TammamB

The reason i started this thread is cuz Im gonna end up with a $95k payment on a spectacular e55...But if i put $65k (for the sake of argument) on a c55, which even when fully loaded is not nearly as loaded as the E, and add like say $20k on 'improvements' (i.e. supercharger, sport shocks, rims, etc.)

I'm sure it would riverdance around the e55 and still be "under budget" (even tho im already over budget...hehe)


Enjoy,
TB


P.S.- honestly the thing that really makes me gung ho about the new E (I know this is stupid but...) the cornering headlights...I know it sounds menial but hey some guys have feet fetish

AMG FANATIC

Definately an E55. The E55 has more power and room inside and when the time come to sell it, the E55 will fetch more than a moddod C55. Rather spend a few grand and make the C32 faster than the C55.

steve s

if u wish to carry people...obviously, the e has a lot more room there... but i find it odd u'd be deciding between a c55 and an e55...

E55Soon

Speaking of the differences between the two models... Does anyone know if Mercedes will finally come to their senses and offer some of the options for the upcoming C55 as are currently found on the clk??? Such as Keyless go, Parktronic & active vented seats?? For 60 plus grand, it's pretty insulting not to offer those things considering you can get them on a CLK (same platform)

poloblinky

Obviously, you have not driven an E55, or you would not even be asking the question. The fact is the E55 is the nicest driving sedan built, bar none. The C32 is a nice car and since the CLK is built on a C-Class frame, the new C55 will probably drive a lot like the current CLK 55. Which of course is also a nice car. However to say money is not an object is not fair! The new C 55 will be about 60k a nicely equipped E55 is about 80k. If you can afford the 20k swing, get an E55 no question. I HAVE DRIVEN THEM ALL, TRUST ME THE NEW E55 IS AS GOOD AS IT GETS!!!!!

AMG FANATIC

My car has parktronic. Here by us it is an option on all C models.

Incendiary

E55 vs. C55... That's a tough one. Personally, I'm not a huge fan of big cars (I consider the E-class big), but if there were one I wouldn't mind having, it'd be the E. Also, I'd be wary of buying the C55 now, as it's a first-year model. Lots of bugs to work out. Also, I'd be concerned about the weight distribution. I heard the C43 (?) had some front-heavy problems that adversely affected handling...

In two years, I would choose the C55, but for now, you certainly can't go wrong with the E.

PS My bet is low $60k-ish for the C.

TammamB

Actually 55 engine is lighter than 32 so ditribution is fine (no supercharger)