CL55 AMG, CL65 AMG, CL63 AMG (C215, C216) 2000 - 2014 (Two Generations)

03 Cl600 Vs. 03 Cl55- Which Is Faster?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Oct 2, 2007 | 07:26 AM
  #1  
02cl55amg's Avatar
Thread Starter
Super Member
 
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 741
Likes: 6
From: SIN CITY
CL65
03 Cl600 Vs. 03 Cl55- Which Is Faster?

the 02 cl55's 390tq aint cuttin it. planning on purchasing one of the 2 shortly. stock for stock which is faster in a straight line? hp is the same, looks like the 600 has 590tq compared to the 55's 515tq, but the 600 is heavier. want the most hp/tq for my $, btw both would be modded with a ecu upgrade(cl600) & pulleys/ecu(cl55).
Reply
Old Oct 2, 2007 | 08:55 AM
  #2  
JAYCL600's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,704
Likes: 28
From: 20854
new balance
modded the 600 wins hands down
Reply
Old Oct 2, 2007 | 09:07 AM
  #3  
Jaki's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 659
Likes: 0
From: Miami, FL
E55 AMG + Mustang GT
Originally Posted by E55JAY
modded the 600 wins hands down
+1

Much easier to mod a turboed car than a supercharged car.
Reply
Old Oct 2, 2007 | 09:46 AM
  #4  
france2112's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 763
Likes: 12
From: South Florida
2015 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG S
Originally Posted by 02cl55amg
the 02 cl55's 390tq aint cuttin it. planning on purchasing one of the 2 shortly. stock for stock which is faster in a straight line? hp is the same, looks like the 600 has 590tq compared to the 55's 515tq, but the 600 is heavier. want the most hp/tq for my $, btw both would be modded with a ecu upgrade(cl600) & pulleys/ecu(cl55).
I use to own an 03 CL55 stock and an 05 SL600 with ECU/TCU upgrade. The 600 stock pulled stronger then the 55 stock and when I modified the 600 forget it, one of the fastest cars on the road. Go for the 600 and get the ECU upgrade and new exhaust.
Reply
Old Oct 2, 2007 | 10:03 AM
  #5  
DFW01E55's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,566
Likes: 7
'14 ML BT
My lightly modded '03 55 traps 115, Jay's modded '05 600 traps mid 120's.
That's pretty easy, right?

The cost to approach those speeds starts at 2k for either car.
I think that spending more than 5k triggers the diminishing returns process.
Reply
Old Oct 2, 2007 | 12:45 PM
  #6  
mclarenm8d's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 224
Likes: 0
From: Cary, IL
2003 CL55 Kompressor Horizon Blue Metallic
Originally Posted by 02cl55amg
the 02 cl55's 390tq aint cuttin it. planning on purchasing one of the 2 shortly. stock for stock which is faster in a straight line? hp is the same, looks like the 600 has 590tq compared to the 55's 515tq, but the 600 is heavier. want the most hp/tq for my $, btw both would be modded with a ecu upgrade(cl600) & pulleys/ecu(cl55).
The only advantage my modded CL55 would have over a CL600 is that I don't have to worry about wheel spin in fourth gear :-).

If straight line is the main thing, CL600. The biggest benefit of the CL600 over the CL55, IMO, isn't necessarily what they do side by side at the drag strip but the effect on the street. The CL55 is "under geared", so the huge torque reserves of the CL600 enable it to pull away from same gear/same starting speed. The higher RPM limit of the CL55 basically can't be used to an advantage. I run shorter tires, but there just isn't any way to get up to what would be an effective ~3.06 ring and pinion where the CL55 needs to be.

Why not supercharge your current CL55? You've got the better 2.82 ring and pinion.
Reply
Old Oct 2, 2007 | 04:45 PM
  #7  
02cl55amg's Avatar
Thread Starter
Super Member
 
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 741
Likes: 6
From: SIN CITY
CL65
its about what $12k to supercharge this car?(kleeman) thought about nitrous, but i heard its not that safe on these cars. i could get into a nice
cl55 for about $40k w/decent miles. a cl600 with amg sport, silver/charcoal is a tough find especially @$40k
Reply
Old Jan 15, 2008 | 04:58 PM
  #8  
xlr8tin's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,021
Likes: 3
From: Fort Worth, TX
2011 GL550, 2004 Audi S4 v8
And what if you add in the CL65 w215
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Jan 15, 2008 | 07:10 PM
  #9  
trumpet1's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,071
Likes: 2
2007 S600
I'd go 600 or 65. I have a 600 and it is Rennteched and has monstrous torque and speed.
Reply
Old Jan 22, 2008 | 11:11 PM
  #10  
AMGTestDriverNJ's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,609
Likes: 2
From: Wyckoff, New Jersey & Alphabet City NYC
86 190E 2.3-16v, 92 500E, 03 CL55 AMG, 08 E3504M Brabus
I own an 03 CL55 and have extensively driven an 05 CL600

and can hands down say that even though I love my own car, the 600 is smoother faster and more powerful despite the numbers. the powerband is very well distributed vs the AMG which is somewhat jerky as with the supercharger engage and so forth. the turbos in the V12 spool quickly and hammer you but don't jerk like the supercharger clutch. Hands down 600 over 55 and I own it. Anybody who tells you different is selling them.
Reply
Old Jan 23, 2008 | 05:00 PM
  #11  
Satan's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 248
Likes: 0
I can't afford
and the CL600 has that supple leather
Reply
Old Jan 23, 2008 | 07:30 PM
  #12  
v8plus4's Avatar
Super Member
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 731
Likes: 23
From: 30-A
2024 AMG G63, 2023 Bentley GTC Speed
And the alcantara headliner
Reply
Old Aug 31, 2008 | 06:51 AM
  #13  
sick430's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,946
Likes: 21
From: So Cal
CLK Cabrio
hey guys in the same boat right now the only thing that is drawing me to the 55 over the 600 are the AMG brakes which to say the lest are huge. i currently have the same brakes as on the 600 on my clk and just dont think they are big enough for the weight and speed of the 600. someone please tell me i am wrong or that i missed it somewhere and the 600 really do have the large 8 piston amg brakes.

thanks
liran
Reply
Old Aug 31, 2008 | 12:34 PM
  #14  
BlownV8's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 8,882
Likes: 1,212
From: In my garage
E55, GLS450, GL63, GLE350
Originally Posted by sick430
hey guys in the same boat right now the only thing that is drawing me to the 55 over the 600 are the AMG brakes which to say the lest are huge. i currently have the same brakes as on the 600 on my clk and just dont think they are big enough for the weight and speed of the 600. someone please tell me i am wrong or that i missed it somewhere and the 600 really do have the large 8 piston amg brakes.

thanks
liran
The brakes on the tt600 are huge and does have the multi-piston brakes. You will not be left thinking they are insufficient.
Reply
Old Sep 26, 2008 | 12:41 PM
  #15  
sound 8's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,838
Likes: 19
From: U.K.
SL 63 W/B AMG , S600,C220
Apart from the engines being different does the 600 have the AMG body,
seats,suspension and brakes?
Reply
Old Sep 28, 2008 | 06:31 PM
  #16  
Pronto's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 42
Likes: 1
2003 CL55
Originally Posted by AMGTestDriverNJ
and can hands down say that even though I love my own car, the 600 is smoother faster and more powerful despite the numbers. the powerband is very well distributed vs the AMG which is somewhat jerky as with the supercharger engage and so forth. the turbos in the V12 spool quickly and hammer you but don't jerk like the supercharger clutch. Hands down 600 over 55 and I own it. Anybody who tells you different is selling them.
I'm curious if anyone here has heard of a mod to engage the supercharger off idle, rather than 2750 rpm? Also anyone changed the rearend to the higher numerical ratio for better acceleration?
Reply
Old Sep 29, 2008 | 08:31 PM
  #17  
Exotic-metal55's Avatar
PLATINUM SPONSOR
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 3,834
Likes: 65
From: Texas
2003 CL55
Originally Posted by Pronto
I'm curious if anyone here has heard of a mod to engage the supercharger off idle, rather than 2750 rpm? Also anyone changed the rearend to the higher numerical ratio for better acceleration?
The super charger is LOAD and or rpm engaged. WOT=load= engaged.
__________________



E63 Biturbo, UPD Cold Air induction kit, UPD performance crank pulley and UPD adjustable rear suspension with ride height adjustment.

CL55 UPD Cold Air Boost kit, UPD 3000 stall converter, UPD 77mm SC clutched pulley and beltwrap kit, Custom long tubes, UPD crank pulley , UPD suspension kit, UPD SC pulley, Aux. HE, Trunk tank w/rule 2000 pump, Mezeire pump, UPD 5pc idler set, Aluminum rotor hats.

www.ultimatepd.com
instagram @ultimate_pd
facebook.com/ultimatepd
Reply
Old Oct 5, 2008 | 05:06 PM
  #18  
JBrady's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 99
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by 02cl55amg
the 02 cl55's 390tq aint cuttin it. planning on purchasing one of the 2 shortly. stock for stock which is faster in a straight line? hp is the same, looks like the 600 has 590tq compared to the 55's 515tq, but the 600 is heavier. want the most hp/tq for my $, btw both would be modded with a ecu upgrade(cl600) & pulleys/ecu(cl55).
Actually the only thing the same about the power is the factory "claim".

IMO, MB rated the 03 600's at 493hp so as to not eclipse the then brand new supercharged AMG 55s.

Ben Treynor put his then brand new S600 on the dyno and made 481rwhp That is DEFINITELY much more than 493hp crankshaft more in the mid to upper 500s. Obviously there is no comparison torque wise.

I understand that the chip upgrade quickens throttle response making the car not only much more powerful but also much more fun to drive. Treynor found 525rwhp on his S600 after the chip.
Reply
Old Oct 5, 2008 | 08:41 PM
  #19  
Untertürkheim's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,408
Likes: 3
600 wins out of the box or modded.
Reply
Old Oct 7, 2008 | 07:20 PM
  #20  
Pronto's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 42
Likes: 1
2003 CL55
Originally Posted by Exotic-metal55
The super charger is LOAD and or rpm engaged. WOT=load= engaged.
Good to know. What I'd read about it, seemed to suggest it was only from that point. I'd assumed it was to maybe reduce the chance of wheelspin.

What do you think of your pulley mod? Would you recommend that as a first improvement or does something else give a better bang for the buck?
Reply
Old Oct 8, 2008 | 12:24 AM
  #21  
dwalker011's Avatar
Almost a Member!
 
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
From: Bethesda, MD
99 C5 FRC
Originally Posted by Pronto
Good to know. What I'd read about it, seemed to suggest it was only from that point. I'd assumed it was to maybe reduce the chance of wheelspin.

What do you think of your pulley mod? Would you recommend that as a first improvement or does something else give a better bang for the buck?
Pulley won't do much alone. You'll get a decent torque gain but not much hp. If you do the flash with the pulley then you'll see some nice gains.
Cooling mods don't add power but they are basically a must. Your car won't use the power it has if it's running to hot. Cooling mods are cheap in the grand scheme of things anyway.
Reply
Old Oct 29, 2008 | 08:50 PM
  #22  
red00lght's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 429
Likes: 0
From: South Florida
2006 ML500
Not a perfect comparison, but I've owned 2 55 engine cars (E55 and S55) and a CL600. I just never fell in love with my 600.

It just seemed sluggish and heavy around town unless you really pushed it. Even then the turbos made it so quiet that I started missing the sound of a blown V8. It was stock btw so I can't speak for a modded car. I even took the CL600 to Renntech for a dyno and lookover to make sure something wasn't wrong!

The 55 engine sounded better and begged to be flogged. I would test drive both cars and go with your preference. Just my 2 cents!
Reply
Old Oct 30, 2008 | 11:05 AM
  #23  
slavik's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 279
Likes: 1
g63
600 hands down!!
Reply
Old Oct 30, 2008 | 02:15 PM
  #24  
Patentmat's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 415
Likes: 0
From: Davis
The 55 engine sounded better and begged to be flogged. I would test drive both cars and go with your preference. Just my 2 cents!
Totally agree. That said, the question asked was which is "faster" so in a straight line the 600. In the corners, I am really not sure.
Reply
Old Oct 30, 2008 | 04:04 PM
  #25  
02cl55amg's Avatar
Thread Starter
Super Member
 
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 741
Likes: 6
From: SIN CITY
CL65
at this point, i might as well just buy a 65
Reply


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 06:05 AM.

story-0
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE