kchristos

Is there anybody that drove both cars?

I was by my local MB dealer yesterday. I noticed that they have a used C32 in their lot. I took a test drive just to get an idea of how the C32 compares to my C43.

Well, I have to tell you, it didn't impress me all that much. The C43 feels a lot torquier and the difference in acceleration felt to be minimal (it is probably faster but it didn't feel like that). Also, the breaks seem had an odd feeling of stiffness, the C43 brakes feel a lot better.

Overall, the appearance of the C32 feels more modern but the particular one I drove didn't feel that much faster.

I am curious if other people felt the same.

kchristos

BRW, I forgot to mention that I drove an M3 2-3 weeks ago and it felt really similar to the C32

aintME

I have to agree. When I test drove one, I felt more or less the same as you. On paper, the numbers published show a significant difference. Seat of the pants, the gap between the two cars didn't feel as wide as it should have.

SDR

We have a new C32 at the office. He and I swapped rides for an afternoon. He came back saddened by the fact that he liked the C43 better and I was surprised at how unimpressed I was with the C32. While it is certainly newer and includes all the benefits of 5 less years on the clock, it was "dull" to me. There is no comparison to the roar and torque of the little V8 when you wind it up. Also the 60-80MPH acceleration seems to be faster in the C43. Could just be gearing, but I love being stuck to the seat when I punch it on the freeway

C32 MIA

I have owned both, fell in love with my '99 C43, it was set up nice already with rims and lowered from my dealer in miami. Felt sooooo solid and tough. Then 4 years had passed and alot of heavy driving, so I bought a C32. There is no question the C32 is faster, more nimble, and mechanically a more modern car. But the C32 feels more like a juiced up Camry with a supercharger that handles great, its high pitch make it sound weak, but I assure you it is not- it has 50 pounds more torque than a C43, it pulls your head back pretty hard in comparison. BUT the lack of the V8 growl and feel was always missed. So now I got my E55- which combines the fun of the supercharger like the C32 with the growl of the C43. They are all awesome cars, I miss my C43 mor than any other car, was black with the black and white two tone leather! so sweet!

C32 MIA

exactly!!! they are a perfect matchup, very similar in feel and performance

MikeL

Brembo > ATE

Teck

Damn you guys made me loving my car evan more I already did. I also drove some C32 as I work at a dealer. I'm with everybody in here, love the C43 more than any C32. You can0t yompare a V6 KOmpressor to a V8 engine. That's why I'll go for a used C55 when my C43 dies....which I don't hope!

Vardar

Anyone knows how many C32's built so far? Any guestimations? Rarity, C43 is more rare I guess. Am I right?


I have not driven C32, it looks very pretty, more aerodynamic, more modern, but more Japanese(tin can) looking. But somehow, it does not seem as solid as C43 from outside. I might be wrong. After all these Company merges, people don't built awesome cars anymore. From my C43 experience, I have never driven a more solid, well built car ever!

I would love to test drive it if anyone with C32 lives around 31520 zip code.
Thank you

C32 MIA

C43 is definitely more rare, i think they were making like 2500 C32 a yr to north america

TopGun32

4.3 L engine will always have more end pull than a 3.2L engine... (obviously)

I agree, C32 under 2500 feels like a Acura 3.2L engine, nothing especial. (I used to own a Acura CL type S)

But the high end pull of the C32 is deceiving. Speed is building and torque is not punchy but very strong.

V8's will always have a strong punch when you dab the pedal, due to the torque band is way better than any V6 (turbo or kompressor).

However once boosted v6 spools, the power rush is pretty steady all the way to the redline.

Now add some pullies and you are talking low 13's, (but you still want that low end torque)

wawy

I have never had the pleasure of driving a C43 however I've driven a CLK 430 and it seemed to "feel" faster than my C32. The acceleration in my C32 feels almost artificial I guess. But there's certainly nothing artificial about the way the speedometer moves so quickly to 100 or the way the vehicles in my rear view mirror turn into tiny specs when I floor it!

NY C32

I test drove a C43 several years before I bought my C32 and I agree with many of your statements. From what I remember, The C43 felt more solid whereas my C32 feels, for lack of a better word, "hollow". When you tapped the gas on the C43, throaty V8 responded quickly. The C32 responds very nicely but in a different way.

I wish I could feel the passing response of it but I was with the salesman at the time and I didn't have a road to try it. One thing I love about my C32 is 45-100mph response.

amgmark

I have only seen one c43 on the road so they must be rare.. if anyone in San Diego wants me to show them why a C32 is better, just let me know and we can line up.. I don't care if you have 8 cylinders.. Stock vs. stock.. Isn't that the most important factor? Which is faster? lol

Regarding how many C32's produced.. I couldn't find the thread but I believe the number was approx 1500 02's imported and it went down considerably in 03 and 04.

TopGun32

i agree...

02 and 03 productions were low, but 04's were even lower.

sinister

Here we go! We got an A$$ in hand, i was expecting a comment like this but not this soon....
Thread's name is "C43 vc C32", NOT "which is faster?" Did you see the words "Better", "Faster" here?
People are discussing friendly, and making nice remarks about both cars. You wanna race? Take your COKECAN C32, and race it with a twinturbo YUGO.

I did not wanna make any comments at all, but he was itching....

NY C32

There is no doubt a C32 is faster but that isn't the discussion and not necessarily the most important factor. That whiney post of yours is gonna start **** that doesn't need to be brought into this thread.

BTW- your #'s of C32 are correct

amgmark

Hey sinister I think you are the a$$.. Where did I say anything that was disrespectful? I didn't call anyone names. Exactly c43 vs c32 = c32 is faster.. that was my point.. If you didn't want my reply you shouldn't have added this tread to the C32/C55 board you twit.

Where was I not friendly? In my OPINION faster is better. I have read some of your other posts.. you seem like the unfriendly one..



NYC32.. how was my post whiney?

Have a nice day all..

TopGun32

guys don't take it to the heart...

obviously he was kidding... he did put a LOL at the end of his sentence.

either way its not worth getting out shape about it, it is just a car.

C43 are great car and were a special car back in 99 and still now...

Rareamg

can't we all just get along?? HA!! They are both great cars!!

Trekman

to me I like the interior of the c32 has more stuff to offer like nav Bi xenon and the body style is more up to date than a c43. if I wanted to get a V8 I would buy an C55, E55, CLk 55

amgmark

Just having a little fun..

I was actually trying to convince a buddy of mine to pick up a C43. He loves my car but its a little more $$ than he wanted to spend. It's a great car for the price. There is one on ebay for 14k.. looks like a good deal.

SL BRABUS

It hard to say which one is better.....They both good car (C43 & C32).......If you want the good of both world C55 it bad ***.... ....Drove all 3 of them.....they all bad *** in a different way.. ....

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.

amgv8

FrankW - actually only 25 model year 2000 C43 vehicles were imported to the USA...very rare car. I don't think we even listed it in the 2000 C-Class brochures.

Mike