CL55 vs CL600: Which is the better overall performance car (speed and handling)?
Yes it does but he dumped his E55 over handling. The CLs aren't going to be any faster unless he goes nuts and gets a 65. The difference in straight line speed is almost negligble between the supercharged 55/NA 63 cars, M5/6, and E92 M3s. So from my perspective it comes down to which handles best, which would be either an M3 or a C63 since he doesn't like the M5/6 SMG.
I am hoping my next Benz will handle closer to my M6 versus the E55. The E55 was actually a big disappointment for me.
Is the handling of the CL65 really that bad? I can imagine 4600# being a handful in the corners, but I figured the AMG techs found a way to make it handle.
I have considered the C63, but prefer the look of the coupes. Is the C63 that good?




As far as the C63 goes, yes it really is a mad merc from what I have seen, and probably a hell of a lot of fun to drive. Car and Driver actually got the 0-60 down to 3.9 on this thing with a 12.3 quarter mile time. Again though, it will not handle like a BMW
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...s_benz_c63_amg
Really should drive an '09 CL63 030/65 in mtn twisties to judge for self....after doing back-to-backs in twisties, I passed on getting the rather dynamically superb SL63 030 to get '09 CL65 instead....(hate the brake pedal feel of SL vs CL; much prefer the grip/bolsters of the AMG CL sport seats over the elderly-tech seats of AMG SL)....
Last-gen (?'01-'06) AMG CL was clearly a car w/a high-powered motor, but w/underwhelming, non-confidence-inspiring luxury car-oriented steering/chassis/brakes....
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Really should drive an '09 CL63 030/65 in mtn twisties to judge for self....after doing back-to-backs in twisties, I passed on getting the rather dynamically superb SL63 030 to get '09 CL65 instead....(hate the brake pedal feel of SL vs CL; much prefer the grip/bolsters of the AMG CL sport seats over the elderly-tech seats of AMG SL)....
Last-gen (?'01-'06) AMG CL was clearly a car w/a high-powered motor, but w/underwhelming, non-confidence-inspiring luxury car-oriented steering/chassis/brakes....
I would never purchase the car (either W215 or W216) for $200K... unless of course I was worth 9 figures and made more from my deposits in one week. I think the OP was seeking advice based on a much smaller budget. It is pretty easy to come up with grandiose suggestions (myself included) when it is someone else's money.
Tom
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Cars-....c0.m245.l1318
I have negotiated with a couple of people selling low mileage 2003 CL55's and it appears the magic number is easily under $30k for both. One has 45k miles and fully loaded w/ Distronic and the other loaded without Distronic (42k miles), but hot looking in black on tan.
However, if I can get a CL65 for less than $20k more than an 03' CL55 it almost seems like a no brainer.
What do you guys think?
Tom
I've talk to to a MB rep previously regarding buy backs and it usually to keep high dollar customers happy. The issue may not be something major.
What ever you decide a warranty is a MUST. Run the VIN at your local MB dealership to get the specifics.
Tom
I've talk to to a MB rep previously regarding buy backs and it usually to keep high dollar customers happy. The issue may not be something major.
What ever you decide a warranty is a MUST. Run the VIN at your local MB dealership to get the specifics.
But if it's power,comfort,looks,build quality etc then buy a AMG.



