So I am totally torn here!!! I found an amazing C43 in Cali that I am thinking about buying but then I saw this today for close to the same price! What would you guys do and why????


https://mbworld.org/forums/mercedes-...es-7000-a.html

 

W202 C43 vs. W203 C32?

I'd say I'd go with W202 C43. My reasons:

1. C43 = More HP
2. C43 = Becoming a classic since there are a few of them around while the C32s are everywhere.
3. C43 = Lesser maintenance costs.
4. C43 = Belongs to "Old School" generation AMG and I love it.

Just my 2 cents.

 

C32 3.2L 349 hp V6 and C43 303 hp

I do agree about the less maintenance costs and that its a part of the classic Mercedes style.

http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/Sp...&model=C-Class

 

Sorry, I stand corrected. According to Wikipedia:

In 1998 AMG developed a new flagship for the C-Class, the C 43 AMG, powered by a 4.3 L V8, which could now achieve 306 PS (225 kW; 302 hp) at 5850 rpm, with a torque of 410 N·m (302 lb·ft) at 3250 rpm. It was also available as a station wagon. Again, only 4200 AMG units were produced, with only 25 C 43 vehicles of the 2000 model year imported to the US. This vehicle bears four gear assembly each side by side to impart better fuel efficiency & performance.

After the performance of the AMG models in the previous generation, Mercedes-Benz attempted to increase sales among high-end buyers by introducing two different AMG versions in the new model, also in 2001. The C 32 AMG scaled back down to a 3.2 L V6 engine, to match the E46 M3 displacement and improve weight distribution, but it required a twin-screw type supercharger (manufactured by IHI) to reach 354 PS (260 kW; 349 hp)) at 6100 rpm and 450 N·m (332 lb·ft) at 4400 rpm. Like its predecessors, it used a five-speed automatic, helping it to complete a 0–100 km/h sprint within 5.2 seconds.

 

Depends on your priorities. I personally find the W203 body very attractive but am not a fan of the interior. I wanted the V8 sound, which drove me to the C43 (C55's were still pricey back when I got mine). However, if you want to mod the car, starting with a forced induction platform from the factory makes things much easier. Change the pulley and perhaps a reflash and you pick up a decent amount of power. You should follow whatever your gut tells you.

 

Verdict-
(Quoting myself in W203 forum in regards to the C32)

"A part of my thinks this is true but at heart I am a 90's style Mercedes guy when it comes to rare cars. Now if this was a normal everyday car like the c300 with a killer price I would go for it but for the car I am going to keep and hope one day will be worth more then I paid for it, im going to have to go for the C43. If the engine isn't enough for me then I will skip this little baby and go right for the C55 but keep my w202 body. The E55 and CLK55 is a turn key drop in for the C43 and then I truly would have a rare and very fast car. Faster then even a slightly modified C32 and I would get to keep the NA V8 reliability I love and older style I can't live with out. Hard choice..."

 

I weighed this decision up last year too. C43s are pretty rare. C32s are much easier to find, and there are a few local to me too. Power potential, it's easier to get more out of the supercharged V6, with a few minor mods you are knocking on the door of 400hp I believe.

But there are always 'buts'. The C43 has the brawny V8 - sound and torque are nice, and the easy upgrade to a 5.4L is enticing and would make an even more unique car. I think the W203 went to a more mass produced 'feel', with McPherson struts and double wipers. I'm sure the car is lovely and fun to drive, but to me the W203 C55 is much more desirable, much more bespoke with the CLK front end to accommodate the V8.

I also felt that the C43 is much more basic, less to go wrong with it. That said, the transmissions in the later car are supposed to be quite bulletproof, and I also believe you can buy an off the shelf Quaife LSD for the C32. LSD for a C43 is going to be harder to sort out, and we have to thank Money-one for his pioneering efforts there.

In the end I went with the C43 because even though its performance numbers were lesser than the C32, I felt a stronger emotional pull to the C43 (I first drove one in '05), liked the interior better, and liked the idea of swapping in the 5.4 at some point. Actually, the white faced gauges are really nice, and you don't get that in almost any other AMG I don't think. I mean, when you are driving, you are either looking out the windshield or quickly glancing at your gauges, right? It just feels nicer, and for me was actually quite a nice pull to the car too. The one thing I do like about the W203s are their front brakes. I have a bit of a brake fetish, and I just love multi piston calipers. That said, the C32/55 setup is swappable to a C43.

What I really wanted at the time was a W203 C55, but being a cheap-*** (and saving for our wedding last year) meant that wasn't in the budget. I think the next step is to skip the W203s altogether and in a few years try to snag a C63 with the factory performance package.

 

Thank you sir. My feelings exactly.

 

well drive both, and then make up ur mind. u might find the power and speed and the steering feel of the c32AMG addictive. the diff in performance is huge.
c43 at best can make 1/4 mile run in 14.4 @ 98mph (maybe 99)
C32: 13.7 @ 107mph

then there is the mod-ability of the 32 and the fact that it can reach over 300kph from factory when de restricted.

make your choice after driving both. good luck either way

Oh 203 Chassis fairs way better on saftey in case the unwanted happens

 

I wouldn't get a C32 with that many miles. First year model plus waaay too expensive to fix

 

I've driven both a great deal actually. The C32 seems too much like my e36 4 door m3. I want something bigger and with a V8. My 1/4 mile time is not the goal here. They replies the c32 guys are giving is another reason I'm walking away. Everyone that owns it is talking about 1/4 mile this and this much HP with with mod blah blah my dick is bigger blah blah. Who gives a ****? Not me! I want the old school c43 because its me.... and for the record when did a 14.4 1/4 mile become something to scoff at???? Get over your selves. Sheeeeeeshs

 

Best c32s quarter mile would be low 13s, best c43s run ive seen is 13.8


When it comes to benzes, c32 is last on my list. I wouldn't even think about this and i have driven both.

Plus for 8k you'll find a nicely maintained c43. That c32 you are looking at is probably abused as hell. You'll need around 15k to get a decent example of a c32 nowadays

 

So many of the C32 guys are hard core haters! Its kind of funny. Oh well, their cars are kick *** and our are too. I don't see why the rivalry between models but not between the C32 and the C55.... Kinda weird. I think the C43 is amazing and 1/4 mile time aren't going to change that....