C43 vs. C32
03-23-2006, 01:26 AM
#26
Member
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Hampton, VA
Posts: 227
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
1998 C43, White over two tone
Originally Posted by FrankW
just some basic comparison from the C43 of one member that I drove couple years back.
W202 feels more solid than W203 that's already a given as one's made/designed before the budget cut on everything.
steering feel / response: C32 > C43 (it feels pretty minivan like turning the C43 steering wheel; too light and not so precise.)
throttle response: C43 > C32 (V8 and NA will always be more responsive in feel)
handling: C32 > C43
engine sound: C43 > C32 (is there any doubt that the V8 won't sound better than the V6.)
overall performance: C32 > C43 (put them on the track stock vs stock the difference will obvious)
anywayz, I'm pretty sure I'll get a C43 in the future for a daily driver as the 98 C43's price are down a lot. either that or the e36 M3.
btw, only 200 or so MY2000 C43 made it to the US. 98-99 C43 are around the same 1500 unit a year as the C32. You don't see that many C43 because they were expensive to buy (msrp was more than the C32 and close to the current C55) and expensive to maintain. Just make a note of the 16 spark plugs, so people usually just keep them in the garage and don't drive them.
W202 feels more solid than W203 that's already a given as one's made/designed before the budget cut on everything.
steering feel / response: C32 > C43 (it feels pretty minivan like turning the C43 steering wheel; too light and not so precise.)
throttle response: C43 > C32 (V8 and NA will always be more responsive in feel)
handling: C32 > C43
engine sound: C43 > C32 (is there any doubt that the V8 won't sound better than the V6.)
overall performance: C32 > C43 (put them on the track stock vs stock the difference will obvious)
anywayz, I'm pretty sure I'll get a C43 in the future for a daily driver as the 98 C43's price are down a lot. either that or the e36 M3.
btw, only 200 or so MY2000 C43 made it to the US. 98-99 C43 are around the same 1500 unit a year as the C32. You don't see that many C43 because they were expensive to buy (msrp was more than the C32 and close to the current C55) and expensive to maintain. Just make a note of the 16 spark plugs, so people usually just keep them in the garage and don't drive them.
good post, lots of info, i think handling, etc.. is obviously subjective and if anyone around Hampton has a c32 and wants to switch and off and drive me C43, vice versa, pm me. However, you numbers are off on production, 98 C43s were around 550 if my memory serves (available on MBUSA.com, AMG section) and 650 for 99's (less sure of this number)
As far as people not wanting to drive them because of upkeep, My family has had about 6 benzes now including mine and I can tell you every Mercedes is expensive to keep up. That is kind of their MO, engines and cars last forver, but the little crap will keep adding up on you. As far as rarity, numbers aside, I have seen an C43 three times since I moved to Virginia (4 years) whereas I see a C32 probably at least once a month. But fact is, they are both great cars, I would love to have a new C55 if I had the cash for the best of both worlds. but we should all love our cars. WE are lucky to have discovered them.
03-23-2006, 07:20 PM
#27
MBworld Guru
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Diamond Bar, CA
Posts: 22,007
Likes: 0
Received 6 Likes
on
6 Posts
white and whiter
Originally Posted by VAamg
good post, lots of info, i think handling, etc.. is obviously subjective and if anyone around Hampton has a c32 and wants to switch and off and drive me C43, vice versa, pm me. However, you numbers are off on production, 98 C43s were around 550 if my memory serves (available on MBUSA.com, AMG section) and 650 for 99's (less sure of this number)
As far as people not wanting to drive them because of upkeep, My family has had about 6 benzes now including mine and I can tell you every Mercedes is expensive to keep up. That is kind of their MO, engines and cars last forver, but the little crap will keep adding up on you. As far as rarity, numbers aside, I have seen an C43 three times since I moved to Virginia (4 years) whereas I see a C32 probably at least once a month. But fact is, they are both great cars, I would love to have a new C55 if I had the cash for the best of both worlds. but we should all love our cars. WE are lucky to have discovered them.
As far as people not wanting to drive them because of upkeep, My family has had about 6 benzes now including mine and I can tell you every Mercedes is expensive to keep up. That is kind of their MO, engines and cars last forver, but the little crap will keep adding up on you. As far as rarity, numbers aside, I have seen an C43 three times since I moved to Virginia (4 years) whereas I see a C32 probably at least once a month. But fact is, they are both great cars, I would love to have a new C55 if I had the cash for the best of both worlds. but we should all love our cars. WE are lucky to have discovered them.
MB expensive to maintain definitely. The family didn't own nothing but German cars for the past 20yrs for nothing with the exception of minivan. BUT once you own the car for a long time some of the little stuff you could really care less to fix and save the money on something else. If you know what I mean.
03-23-2006, 08:06 PM
#28
Member
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Hampton, VA
Posts: 227
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
1998 C43, White over two tone
C 36 AMG
1995 444 units
1996 338 units
1997 236 units total of 1018 of C 36 USA
C 43
1998 579 units
1999 546 units
2000 no information on this year.
Total of 1125 C 43"
1995 444 units
1996 338 units
1997 236 units total of 1018 of C 36 USA
C 43
1998 579 units
1999 546 units
2000 no information on this year.
Total of 1125 C 43"
03-24-2006, 03:14 AM
#29
MBWorld Fanatic!
Originally Posted by TopGun32
C43 are great car and were a special car back in 99 and still now...
PS! Murdered my friends supercharged E36 M3 last wknd!1/4 mile to 1/2 mile run
I also need to update my hp in my sig and ET soon as well.
03-24-2006, 12:28 PM
#30
Banned
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Lone Star State
Posts: 1,023
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
w210 E55
Originally Posted by FrankW
numbers are off, but similiar idea. There were less C43 that much I know...LOL
MB expensive to maintain definitely. The family didn't own nothing but German cars for the past 20yrs for nothing with the exception of minivan. BUT once you own the car for a long time some of the little stuff you could really care less to fix and save the money on something else. If you know what I mean.
MB expensive to maintain definitely. The family didn't own nothing but German cars for the past 20yrs for nothing with the exception of minivan. BUT once you own the car for a long time some of the little stuff you could really care less to fix and save the money on something else. If you know what I mean.
Sorry, didn't mean to hijack the thread.
03-24-2006, 10:33 PM
#31
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Florida
Posts: 491
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Don't have a Mercedes right now...
Originally Posted by coolcarlskiC43
Even more so when you drop a 5.5L motor from an E55 in!
PS! Murdered my friends supercharged E36 M3 last wknd!1/4 mile to 1/2 mile runI also need to update my hp in my sig and ET soon as well.
PS! Murdered my friends supercharged E36 M3 last wknd!1/4 mile to 1/2 mile run
I also need to update my hp in my sig and ET soon as well.
03-25-2006, 06:55 AM
#34
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2005
Location: London UK
Posts: 324
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
S500 LWB ( W221 ) - CL63 Biturbo ( W216 ) CL 55 Kompressor ( W215 Sold ) C43 AMG ( W202 Sold )
Total World Wide 1994-1997 C36 5,221
Total in the UK C36 378
Total World Wide 1997-2000 C43 3,085
Total in the UK C43 408
Total in the UK C36 378
Total World Wide 1997-2000 C43 3,085
Total in the UK C43 408
03-25-2006, 07:18 AM
#35
MBWorld Fanatic!
Originally Posted by VAamg
I still think we need to find someone to custom make us all a 5 speed manual that would be matched to the engines.
03-25-2006, 08:39 AM
#36
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 2,330
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
1967 Morris Cooper "S", 1983 911SC, 1997 Toyota Tacoma, 1999 HD FXSTB, 1998 C43
Originally Posted by VAamg
I still think we need to find someone to custom make us all a 5 speed manual that would be matched to the engines.
03-25-2006, 12:51 PM
#37
MBWorld Fanatic!
Originally Posted by C43silver
the c43s trans and the E55s trans are one and the same I believe
03-25-2006, 02:53 PM
#38
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: MA
Posts: 359
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Mercedes22
Total World Wide 1994-1997 C36 5,221
Total in the UK C36 378
Total World Wide 1997-2000 C43 3,085
Total in the UK C43 408
Total in the UK C36 378
Total World Wide 1997-2000 C43 3,085
Total in the UK C43 408
Any info on the MY2000 C55s?
03-25-2006, 03:01 PM
#39
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: San Diego
Posts: 1,645
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
2002 C32 Black/Charcoal
I love the C43, and love the fact that it makes its HP without forced induction (and intercoolers, pumps, and all the other stuff that likes to break). The C43 does look somewhat dated, but so will the C32 in a few years when the next body style has circulated. Yes, the C32 makes more ponies, currently looks more contemporary, and is easier to mod, but it is hard to beat the C43 at their current market price.
03-25-2006, 05:22 PM
#40
Member
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Hampton, VA
Posts: 227
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
1998 C43, White over two tone
IT does look slightly dated now, I will give you that, but one of my favorite aspects of mercedes is how timeless all of their designs are (save maybe the 190e) You see a 20 year old 560 SEL on the streets and if you didn't really know Mercedes, you haev no idea how old they are. Until they slowly slip into a classic. Tell me a 1986 380SL isn't one of the prettiest cars on the road still?
Jsut my two cents.
Jsut my two cents.
03-25-2006, 11:19 PM
#41
Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
1998 C43(gone, will be missed), Current car = CES Stage 2 Turbo M3
I would probably perfer a c32 over my current c43, but the only reason being its newer and faster
03-26-2006, 10:36 AM
#42
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: USA
Posts: 674
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
1999 C43
why are you driving the wrong car then?
Originally Posted by C43silver
I would probably perfer a c32 over my current c43, but the only reason being its newer and faster
03-26-2006, 12:03 PM
#43
MBWorld Fanatic!
There were three C43's at this years Tobay beach car show.One thing I'll say was that folks were simply amazed to see the mint condition of these three rare machines.Many pictures were taken of my C43,the black one pictured which belongs to my friend and Steve's(C558mo) silver C43 as well.I was surprised at the responses and the excitement. Folks actually know this model and appreciate it. It blew there minds when they found out Steve and I have 5.5L motors in both of ours. I don't think I'll never get rid of this car because of the 5.5L I have in it and my car is also mint.Well unless someone offers me the right price that is!
Last edited by ProjectC55; 03-26-2006 at 02:54 PM.
03-26-2006, 12:35 PM
#44
Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
1998 C43(gone, will be missed), Current car = CES Stage 2 Turbo M3
Originally Posted by Vardar
why are you driving the wrong car then?
Because a unmolested c32 is more money than a unmolested c43, and if im spending that much money on another car its not going to be another automatic.
03-26-2006, 06:30 PM
#46
MBWorld Fanatic!
Originally Posted by Substance
Is 15k too much money for a car? How about 30k?
huh!
03-27-2006, 06:46 AM
#48
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2005
Location: London UK
Posts: 324
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
S500 LWB ( W221 ) - CL63 Biturbo ( W216 ) CL 55 Kompressor ( W215 Sold ) C43 AMG ( W202 Sold )
Originally Posted by Substance
How many of these are MY2000 ? I know 25 for USA . How many world wide?
Any info on the MY2000 C55s?
Any info on the MY2000 C55s?
5,439cc V8
347bhp@5,500rpm
376/ft@3000rpm
1,570kg weight
0-62 5.5sec
30 estimated World wide non recorded in the UK.
03-27-2006, 07:28 AM
#49
MBWorld Fanatic!
Originally Posted by Mercedes22
C55
5,439cc V8
347bhp@5,500rpm
376/ft@3000rpm
1,570kg weight
0-62 5.5sec
30 estimated World wide non recorded in the UK.
5,439cc V8
347bhp@5,500rpm
376/ft@3000rpm
1,570kg weight
0-62 5.5sec
30 estimated World wide non recorded in the UK.
03-27-2006, 08:00 AM
#50
Newbie
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Mercedes22
Total World Wide 1994-1997 C36 5,221
Total in the UK C36 378
Total World Wide 1997-2000 C43 3,085
Total in the UK C43 408
Total in the UK C36 378
Total World Wide 1997-2000 C43 3,085
Total in the UK C43 408
Personally I like the look of the estate. And here in Europe there is a big market for hot estates (no one buys RS4's and RS6's as saloons for example).
Plus now I have a family I can have all the fun of the 306bhp V8 but in a more practical package.
