CLK or E55
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 13
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CLK or E55
I am about to purchase a CLK55 or E55 . Im having a hard time to decide which would be better for me. Im mainly looking for solid handling and performance. I have driven the CLK55 and it was one of the quickest cars Ive ever driven. Havent had any expierience with E55. Any advice on which has the better performance.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 291
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From: Portland, OR
2001 CLK320
Differance CLK vs. E
Referring to MBUSA specs:
E55 0-60=5.4 secs. hp-349/tq-391 curb weight=3768
CLK55 0-60=4.9 secs. hp-342/tq-376 curb weight=3485
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The horsepower/torque differential is due to the exhaust system and space constraints with the CLK body. Otherwise the engines and transmissions are identical as are the milage ratings.
But with the 280# difference in the weight of the cars, it seems to reason the CLK is faster, as the factory quoted specs for acceleration bear this out.
Now the other factor - how will you use the car? The CLK is smaller on the interior and if you carry 3-4 passengers around a lot, you may find the 2 door body less convenient.
The plus is that with the folding rear seats in CLK, you can haul bulky stuff home easily with that feature.
Also - the CLK is only 4 seater. E class will fit 5 persons. So those are other considerations...
E55 0-60=5.4 secs. hp-349/tq-391 curb weight=3768
CLK55 0-60=4.9 secs. hp-342/tq-376 curb weight=3485
****
The horsepower/torque differential is due to the exhaust system and space constraints with the CLK body. Otherwise the engines and transmissions are identical as are the milage ratings.
But with the 280# difference in the weight of the cars, it seems to reason the CLK is faster, as the factory quoted specs for acceleration bear this out.
Now the other factor - how will you use the car? The CLK is smaller on the interior and if you carry 3-4 passengers around a lot, you may find the 2 door body less convenient.
The plus is that with the folding rear seats in CLK, you can haul bulky stuff home easily with that feature.
Also - the CLK is only 4 seater. E class will fit 5 persons. So those are other considerations...
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,065
Likes: 1
From: Florida
2002 CLK 55 AMG Coupe ;)
I'm 6'2" and feel very comfortable in the CLK55, best car I've owned!
The 2002 E55 is also awesome!
While the new 2003 CLK looks like a hodgepodge of design elements - inside and out, the new E-class looks very harmonious, well designed.
This new E model has instantly and almost universally become a MB favorite since its debut at the Brussels autoshow, a couple of weeks ago.
Can't wait to see it in 3D.
The 2002 E55 is also awesome!
While the new 2003 CLK looks like a hodgepodge of design elements - inside and out, the new E-class looks very harmonious, well designed.
This new E model has instantly and almost universally become a MB favorite since its debut at the Brussels autoshow, a couple of weeks ago.
Can't wait to see it in 3D.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 35,855
Likes: 3
From: Southern CA
The E55 is slightly faster, and handles better than the CLK55. This is because the E55 has more power due to the exhaust setup and location of the cats. And that the E has a stiffer frame due to the extra pillars (4-doors). Both cars in my opinion are excellent. You should pick which ever you think looks the best. Do you prefer 2 doors or 4 doors?
