C55 vs SLK55 user expereince please

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Dec 3, 2004 | 12:46 AM
  #1  
We won't get a chance to test drive a SLK55 here.
Appreciated any C55 owners give experiences of the two cars?
I am interested to know:-
- steering feel, the same?
- 0-60 , any significant in feels , (not interested in detailed data )
- suspension stiffer ? Or the same?
- Engine noise entering the interior , worse?
- Exhaust sound , any major differences?

Thanks
cnt
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Dec 3, 2004 | 01:35 AM
  #2  
Never drove one. But i saw one at the dealer and its beautiful. I only heard them start it up and drive off kind of fast. Sounded similar to the C55 from the very short time i heard it.

Sorry, I know i'm not much of a help here. :p
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Dec 3, 2004 | 04:54 AM
  #3  
Quote: Never drove one. But i saw one at the dealer and its beautiful. I only heard them start it up and drive off kind of fast. Sounded similar to the C55 from the very short time i heard it.

Sorry, I know i'm not much of a help here. :p
Thanks for reply. I took numerous closer look to the SLK and it is beautiful if it is not a black :p
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Dec 3, 2004 | 08:25 AM
  #4  
Personally, i would go for the SLK55...more modern transmission (7-speed AMG tranny), better brakes, and is a more modern platform. The shape is killer! I believe that it's also the sportiest AMG model (best handling?) because it was design from the start to be a canyon carver...powerful and relatively lightweight (compare to other AMG models, except C55).
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Dec 3, 2004 | 09:26 AM
  #5  
SLK55 vs E55
We currently own an slk350, but have driven a couple of C55's. We are trying to make the same decision you are. First of all, I was very impressed with the C55. I own a 04 E55 and I referred to the C55 as a mini-me. The slk55 will be a little faster because it weighs about 150lbs less and has that awesome 7 speed transmission. It is also a convertible and would be more fun because of the shorter wheelbase, but it is SMALL! If you don't need the space and drive a lot of twisties then I'd opt for the slk55, but the C55 is more practical and costs significantly less than a slk55. Personally, we're using the slk350 as a testbed to help make the decision. If space becomes an issue or the convertible isn't used that much, then we'll probably go for the c55. BTW all our cars are black on black and our slk350 IMO looks great in black.
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Dec 3, 2004 | 02:52 PM
  #6  
Quote: Personally, i would go for the SLK55...more modern transmission (7-speed AMG tranny), better brakes, and is a more modern platform. The shape is killer! I believe that it's also the sportiest AMG model (best handling?) because it was design from the start to be a canyon carver...powerful and relatively lightweight (compare to other AMG models, except C55).

errrrr, yeah but then what do I do when I want to take a few friends in the car + luggage....? The SLK55 is a gem, but a toy.. It may be the more modern machine, but its impracticality left me as only an admirer... I don't think most C55 buyers cross-shopped with the SLK55..
Eric....
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Dec 3, 2004 | 04:37 PM
  #7  
Quote: errrrr, yeah but then what do I do when I want to take a few friends in the car + luggage....? The SLK55 is a gem, but a toy.. It may be the more modern machine, but its impracticality left me as only an admirer... I don't think most C55 buyers cross-shopped with the SLK55..
Eric....
I'd take a C55 for an every day driver - SLK55 if I can sacrifice some practicality
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Dec 3, 2004 | 05:23 PM
  #8  
Quote: errrrr, yeah but then what do I do when I want to take a few friends in the car + luggage....? The SLK55 is a gem, but a toy.. It may be the more modern machine, but its impracticality left me as only an admirer... I don't think most C55 buyers cross-shopped with the SLK55..
Eric....
Well, i assume that the original poster has thought about practicality issues. From a pure driving machine point of view, i am a big fan of the SLK55 AMG. When i buy a car, i don't consider where to put my friends...they have their own car!
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Dec 3, 2004 | 05:51 PM
  #9  
Quote: When i buy a car, i don't consider where to put my friends...they have their own car!

I don't... When I buy a car, there's gotta be some practicality in the equation, unless it's a 2nd car... The S4 is my wife's car by the way....
Eric....
Reply 0
Dec 3, 2004 | 10:18 PM
  #10  
Quote: We currently own an slk350, but have driven a couple of C55's. We are trying to make the same decision you are. First of all, I was very impressed with the C55. I own a 04 E55 and I referred to the C55 as a mini-me. The slk55 will be a little faster because it weighs about 150lbs less and has that awesome 7 speed transmission. It is also a convertible and would be more fun because of the shorter wheelbase, but it is SMALL! If you don't need the space and drive a lot of twisties then I'd opt for the slk55, but the C55 is more practical and costs significantly less than a slk55. Personally, we're using the slk350 as a testbed to help make the decision. If space becomes an issue or the convertible isn't used that much, then we'll probably go for the c55. BTW all our cars are black on black and our slk350 IMO looks great in black.
ajoe

Truly admired you own black E55+SLK350 My dream match

I am always a big fan of black cars. The only issue with black color is our dust here and it also makes a car look smaller unless that's what we like about it is to be . I did not have a choice but had to take the silver C55 because its eariler availability in last August. My Z3 is a silver, and my Honda Accord is black. I am almost tempted to change the Accord to a silver Audi A3 Sportback in future so I have a silver cars family of three best European brands with different sizes characters :p !

The SLK is great for love on the cutiest, smallest car with plenty of contents.
I must say I am still tempted......and the only thing to stop me is these nice little things for best life are all cost fortune here


cnt
Reply 0
Dec 3, 2004 | 10:24 PM
  #11  
Quote: errrrr, yeah but then what do I do when I want to take a few friends in the car + luggage....? The SLK55 is a gem, but a toy.. It may be the more modern machine, but its impracticality left me as only an admirer... I don't think most C55 buyers cross-shopped with the SLK55..
Eric....

Agreed. SLK55 is for the rich and car lover of extreme. I never cross-shopped the two. If I am tempted again, I probably would go for a SLK200K and get a full AMG package to cheat myself :p :p

I heard that the new Boxter can at least store a full size golf bag and wonder what any golf lovers here think about this?
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Dec 5, 2004 | 01:24 AM
  #12  
Quote: I don't... When I buy a car, there's gotta be some practicality in the equation, unless it's a 2nd car... The S4 is my wife's car by the way....
Eric....
How do you compare the two cars? I'm pretty sure both are excellent cars but I have looking into deciding between a used C32, new C55 or an Audi S4 in a few months.
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Dec 5, 2004 | 07:09 PM
  #13  
One of my far neighbors (maybe 2 blocks away) owns a C55 and in comparison the SLK55's exhaust is a tad louder, closer to the sound of a SL55. Never driven a C55, but a C230 if that counts

Steering in the SLK55 is very sharp.

Also can't help you on suspension, the SLK55 is quite stiff though; not a bad thing on this kind of car.
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Dec 5, 2004 | 07:49 PM
  #14  
Quote: How do you compare the two cars? I'm pretty sure both are excellent cars but I have looking into deciding between a used C32, new C55 or an Audi S4 in a few months.
I give a little description on it here....
https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...777#post923777

The S4 is the best bang for the buck out there...
Reply 0
Dec 5, 2004 | 09:42 PM
  #15  
Quote: One of my far neighbors (maybe 2 blocks away) owns a C55 and in comparison the SLK55's exhaust is a tad louder, closer to the sound of a SL55. Never driven a C55, but a C230 if that counts

Steering in the SLK55 is very sharp.

Also can't help you on suspension, the SLK55 is quite stiff though; not a bad thing on this kind of car.
Dinko, tks for reply.

At least as you said the SLK55 exhaust is louder than the C55.

About steering, a mag test report comparing C200K with SLK200K, they said both steering tuning feel exactly the same.

Friends of mine one own a C200K (Sports Package) tried my C55 and told me that the C55 steering feel is like a 'different car' - very sharp, very 'light'.

They also feel the C55 AMG suspension is 'more comfort' than the C200K - which I knew it is impossible. I tried the C200K before and it is sporty feel but no way near the stiffness with the C55 AMG suspension.
One reason they feel the C55 suspension is 'comfortable' may be just because the C55 has high torque which 'crawls' on good roads.
On bumpy roads, the C200K is surely more comfortable than the C55.

That is it all I know at this moment.

cnt
Reply 0
Dec 5, 2004 | 10:04 PM
  #16  
Quote: Dinko, tks for reply.

At least as you said the SLK55 exhaust is louder than the C55.

About steering, a mag test report comparing C200K with SLK200K, they said both steering tuning feel exactly the same.

Friends of mine one own a C200K (Sports Package) tried my C55 and told me that the C55 steering feel is like a 'different car' - very sharp, very 'light'.

They also feel the C55 AMG suspension is 'more comfort' than the C200K - which I knew it is impossible. I tried the C200K before and it is sporty feel but no way near the stiffness with the C55 AMG suspension.
One reason they feel the C55 suspension is 'comfortable' may be just because the C55 has high torque which 'crawls' on good roads.
On bumpy roads, the C200K is surely more comfortable than the C55.

That is it all I know at this moment.

cnt
I don't see how a C & SLK can have the same/similar steering. The chasis, for one, are quite different. Especially with the 171 being the new apple in the group. What I notice about the SLK is, it leans more to the BMW's Z8 line, which is a good thing when it comes to the steering.
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Dec 5, 2004 | 11:33 PM
  #17  
Quote: I don't see how a C & SLK can have the same/similar steering. The chasis, for one, are quite different. Especially with the 171 being the new apple in the group. What I notice about the SLK is, it leans more to the BMW's Z8 line, which is a good thing when it comes to the steering.
unfortunately ....the mag's road test comparsion of SLK200K and C200K did mean they feel both exactly the same. I ain't sure about SLK55 vs C55. That's what I was hoping to find out from people who tested both cars.
Cheers
cnt
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