c230pete

Big fan of the CLK here, I was wondering how much different are the first gen CLK's vs. the new W209 that just came out...For those who have ridden in both, what's the most distinguishable about them...For me personally, I love the interior of the W208 vs. the W209, it feels more substantial and less like the Current C-Class interior which the W209 resembles....Overall, is the new version that much better than the old version? thoughts?

Brian_I.

There was a real good discussion about this recently but I believe it was lost in the crash. The bottom line is that you will see in this forum, most people will opt for the w208. Based on the exterior, the w208 just has more masculine lines compared to the w209. Also, the new CLK has way too many similarities to the C-Class for my liking. Although the CLK and the C-Class share the same chassis, the w208 borrowed most of its exterior styling from the E-Class, which made it stand out a little more.

FIXEDupW209

ive had both cars and traded in my previou clk320 for my current. here are my views, they could be completely different from others

w208 feels much sportier, looks more aggressive and felt a little bit quicker.

w209. work of art. It might not be as sporty but it looks incredible, it feels more comfortable. Its an updated version obviously so all the things that went wrong in the w208 were replaced and changed. Also, cruising down LA, with all the windows down is something the w208 could not accomplish. If your looking to buy one of the two, look at how much money you are willing to spend and if you are looking for speed you can get a clk430 for example for instead of a new clk320. But if speed does not matter and you just want to kick back and cruise get the w209

Sleestack

Honestly, I'm sure the W209 drives better than the W208. I just can't get over the W209's aesthetics. They took a CLK that looked like a German muscle car and and made it look like a car that looks at home sitting outside a grocery store. That's obviously just my opinion, however, I have heard that sentiment echoed by dealerships, tuners and reviewers as well. You can always do what I did and get a W208 and make it perform the way you want.... but that's not practical for most people.

Josh K

If you want a Mercedes, get a 208. If you want a Honda Accord/Volvo/Acura CL/(insert generic car name here) go for the 209. ;0)

Chappy

Very subjective. Of course, you posted this in the W208 forum so don't be surprised by the answers so far.

I may have gone for the W209 instead of the W208 (CLK55) I purchased instead, except for the following reasons:

1. My 2002 CLK is the last model year. Most of the kinks had been worked out of this model by the time I purchased. New models (the W209) have their own set of problems.

2. Exterior style. The 208 is aggressive....the 209 is sleek. Both nice, but I prefer the 208. I also have a W124 coupe if I want all 4 windows to go down

3. Interior style. I've owned MBs exclusively since 1990. I prefer (and was more familiar with) the dash layout and functions of the 208 over the 209. I didn't care for the whole "oval theme".....steering wheels buttons, dash vents, etc. in the 209.

4. "Heritage". Maybe this is just me. But, after lusting after the 560SEC (W126 coupe), I ALWAYS felt like the grill star on a coupe belongs on the top-of-the-line coupe ONLY (in addition to the SL of course)...in the current scenario that would be the CL. I disagree with MBs decision to put a grill star on the C-class coupe, the ML, and the 209-CLK.

5. The 208 CLK55 came LOADED. There were only three options offered (Comand/CD/Phone)....the rear sunshade, xenons, pneumatic seats, even the ski sack....all STANDARD. With the 209 CLK55, you have to pay extra for many of the items that came on the 208 as part of the package.

Granted, I made my decision and purchased the 208. I am biased......but do I regret my decision? Not even for a second.

mmgrad

the two cars are very different, the only thing that is the same is the name... w209 just looks too feminine... w208 got more *****...

btw, if you came to this forum to look for an unbiased opinion, i think you came to the wrong place... i will assure you that probably 90%+ of w208 owners here won't trade their w208 for the w209 replacement in the same category (v6/v8/amg)....

i would never sell out and get a w209... not until they do something about that ***...

yuanja888

Well summarized Chappy! Another missing item to the "Heritage" catagory is the single arm windshield wiper. It's kinda sad that all of the new MB have lost that distinguished design.

And if you want all 4 windows to go down on a 208, get the cab.

MagmaSilk

my mom bought a new W209-320

i got a used W208-55

but if price were the same i'd have got the w209-55 (assuming i couldnt just get a w211-55)

***

209-55

cons: looks like a sedan (smaller c-pillar, bigger rear quarter window), family resemblance w/ c-coupe

pros: family resemblance w/ SL, faster, interior is nicer to me (silver accents, amg label on seats, rear-vents, window controls on door), more options (keylessgo, vented seats, ...), cross-drilled brakes, projection HID, shift buttons on steering wheel.


208-55:
cons: older platform (recirculted ball steering...)
pro: looks meaner/sportier

***

thats all i can think right now

Jksellman

I happen to have both...A 99 CLK320 and a 2003 CLK500.
For the most part, I aggree with much of what has already been said. I would like to add the following:
1. The 209 looks great (to me). With the windows down there is nothing like it (except the CL). I have had other MBZ coupes before, and it really bothered me that my 208 had fixed rear windows and a B pillar. The front end looks awesome.
2. The 209 has better performance. Rack and pinion steering is tighter and more responsive.
3. The 208 has a nicer interior design. I can't complain (like some do) about the 209 interior, I just prefer the 208.
4. The stereo (Bose) sucks big time in both cars..I can't stand the automatic volume changes.
5. Short of the CLK55, the CLK500 goes like crazy. (0-62 in 5.7 seconds is pretty quick).
6. The AMG wheels on the CLK500 look great and seem to be lighter.
7. The 209 has more interior room

jnx

I have an 02 430, and I like both the old and the new, But I like the 02 Front end and rear much better. I do like the dash of the new one. Just get what you like They are both very nice cars.

CLK 2001 Cab

I'd suggest the W208 Cabrio.

thuged_out

W208 adv > looks, maybe int
W209 adv > everything else
I bought my car for the looks, and even though W209 looks nice, it just doesnt look nice enough for me to trade it with my w208

mmgrad

I think that pretty much sums it up...

W208 = looks & appearance
W209 = functionality

hobby guy

W209 Coupe=Boring
W209 Convertible Top Up=Boring
W209 Convertible Top Down=Stunning!!!
W208 Coupe=Tough!!
W208 Convertible Top up or Down=Coolest!!!

2003 W208 Convertible Quartz Blue (don't remember top color cause its always down) oh yeh..it's blue too.

TNH

I like the front of the 209, but overall the 208 is my favorite.

FrankW

W209 has a more advance chassi, a little heavier, less bulky looking (IMO), more power (if u look at 430 vs 500), etc.

W208 was built on the W202 chassi which is already 4-5 yrs old when the W208 was introduced. Can't really find fault w/ the car other than it has no steering feedback whatsoever. I like the interior of the W208 tho because it feel less similar to the W202 C-class unlike the W209/W203 w/ those center dash mount buttons and etc.

Personally I'd pick the W209, but just can't get pass those W203-ish interior which doesn't make me want to spent the same amount of money when you can get a E-class. So, I'll stay w/ the W208. My sister's 00 CLK320 is doing just fine. Something about that car just makes you feel different when you drive it.

allenjdmb

on target. 209 is just too feminine and has too much Accord in it. I've seen some nice looking 209's, but they take So much work to get right (coilovers, 19's, aero) and with the market in the tank like it is now, I'd think the 208 would be safer buy (less to tumble than the 209, which is doing nothing saleswise in most markets). Just my 02....

Chappy

I'm glad you mentioned that.

BTW, the *only* W209 coupe I would spring for would be the CLK55 that AMGBRED has perfected.

tango

sorry but thats gotta be one of the dumbest comment ever

BrabusClK04

YEs i would agree. the older 208 look nicer. The new W209 looks femmine however, if you fix it up and smack a brabus kit with the quad fogs up on there....and put some 19's, the it has BALLSSS

Stock W208=Nice
Stock W209=Femmine

W208 fixed up=very NICE
W209 fixed up=DAM NICE

I think in conclusion, keep the rear of the 208 and have the front of the 209. That is what i would like too have.

thuged_out

and if you put a RennTech wide body kit on the w208 it'll be out of this world

BrabusClK04

yes....for sure....

mmgrad

Actually, my ideal w209 redesign would have just been simply to make a Mini-CL... just like how the C is like a mini S-Class

then, I would have bought a w209 instead of the w208....

but, MB decided to design it after the C70/accord

jnx

Very well said, That would be great design