robusa

I know some of you seem me around this forum! i'm in the market for hi performance benz. considering a few options. CLK500, CLK55 and C43 are a few of them.

It would seem a 5.0L CLK500 5 speed should be able to beat a C43.

Anyone have any experience? i never drop a CLK500 before but I drove a C43 and thought it was amazing already!

mikata

Dude they are both totally different cars(CLK500 and C43).
If you want a high performance benz get a C63, they are pretty cheap these days.

LawRens

Both are actually right around the same in terms of speed. CLK500 has a bit more torque, but also a bit more weight. Both also clock 0-60 in mid-high 5 seconds and the quarter mile in low 14's. The winner in a drag race would probably be who gets the jump.

If you're looking for performance, then I doubt these cars are what you're looking for. By today's standards they are slooooow... A 2012 v6 mustang will outrun these cars, and even a v6 accord will give them a run for its money.

number_one_c55

Both are very nice cars. I would go with a CLK500, much nicer looking vehicle. Not as dated as the W202. 500 has lots of power and not that bad on fuel either.

robusa

that is crazy that a V6 mustang and new honda accord will beat these benz' up! wow! that sucks!!!

Peydidy

I wouldn't really compare a C43 with a CLK500. Sure they may be similar in speed but the C43 is just so old and a lot less nicer then any w209 (imo at least). If you enjoyed the driving of the C43 I am sure you'll love the CLK500 alot more

CLK550AMGpkg

The CLK500 and CLK55 are far nicer, newer, all-around better than the C43 but cost more as expected. I would definetely steer you towards one of the CLKs.

Lots of bold statements in the comments above.

The CLK500 (or even the C43, for that matter) are not "slooooow" at all even by 2012 standards. The C43 will hold its own against a GTI, Civic Si, or even a MS3. The CLK500 does upper 13s in the 1/4 so it's still pretty beastly even if an 8 year newer V6 Mustang can run with it.

As for being able to find C63s "cheap" these days? Even four year old C63s out of warranty are asking above $45K so i dont know what you are talking about there lol.

mikata

Isn't that a matter of personal opinion and depending on personal funds?
I paid around 40k for my 320 november 2009. So yeah 45k is pretty cheap to me.
Useless comment.....

Kevwood

^ lol

Couldnt agree more, fast/slow, expensive/cheap, beautiful/face like a torn bun... all relative terms.

CLK550AMGpkg

I guess I'm the only one that isnt part of the "more money than sense" crowd. Wow, I guess price/value is pretty subjective...

mikata

Of course it's subjective, would it be something else?....
$45k for a C63 is a steal here in Sweden.
As I said, I paid 40k for my 320 and that's cheap for a low mile CLK in 2009.
New volvos go for way more than 40k here.
This is my opinion and you have yours, I don't see what the problem is?

Rudeney

But I'll bet you can get Saab's for practically nothing...

mikata

You would think so but no.
1-2 year old SAAB's cost more here than your 550 in US
Even though SAAB is in bankruptcy and was just bought by another company this week their affiliated company for parts is still going strong.

CLK550AMGpkg

No worries. Actually the whole problem was that I had assumed you were from the U.S.

It's just that over here it's a pretty unanimous opinion that $50K for a used car is not cheap.

That's crazy what used Saabs and Volvos go for in Sweden.

robusa

no matter where u are...$45K USD is a lot of money that MOST people can not put out in one lump sum...
i lived all over the world...and this is the same everywhere...

robusa

you are a NY'er...let the SWEDE go nutz over the cheap $45k C63 NY'ers always take the HIGH ROAD

robusa

too bad for you your Swedey govt taxes your like crazy! lol

Rudeney

As far as US models, Saab is gone. You can't give them away over here and you can't get parts unless it's a late model that was a shared platform with other GM models and the GM dealer is smart enough to figure out and help. The company that just bought Saab really just bought the name only. GM only gave them the 9-3 - nothing else. GM claims the other models contain too much proprietary GM technology they don't want to hand over to the Chinese. Really? Like someone would actually want GM technology?

Kevwood

Developed in the 50's and still going strong, God bless the Small Block Chevy V8

mikata

Exactly, who would want that

mikata

It's not all taxes.
Yeah we have a bit of high taxes but then again we have pretty solid economy as well. Let's not get into that

mikata

It's all good. But I think we can come to an angreement that cheap/expensive are all relative terms no matter the price

mikata

So do you speak for all NY'ers when you say they always take the high road?