CLK - 500 vs. 55
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CLK - 500 vs. 55
So I'm still in the market for a new vehicle. Two models on my list include a 2003 CLK55 AMG and a 2003 or 2004 CLK500. I know the specs, stats, etc., but in the real world, what kind of difference are we talking? And with upgrades to either, I'm assuming the AMG power would increase better as well. Basically, with the price range I'm looking at, I'm stuck with a 2003 AMG with slightly higher miles than a potential 2004 500 with fewer miles. Any thoughts? Just bite the bullet and go AMG? 
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Sean's Sister--
the difference between the 500 and 55 aren't much.....i think maintence would be cheaper on a non amg car.......horsepower isn't that much from 500 to the 55.....depends on the money you have
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C43/55,2k11 Volvo S60 T6AWD,2k Audi B5 S4,95 Eagle Talon Tsi AWD 500+awhp
349-362hp vs 302hp and 391ftlbs Tq vs 322ftlbs. That's a nice difference bro! And you can feel it as well!
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2009 SL63 AMG
There is a 60 hp and 50 tq difference between the two. I guarantee the CLK500 packs more than enough punch for daily driving, but the CLK55 will have a little more to it. It is still a N/A V8 motor, and the difference will not be as dramatic as comparing to a 55K motor. Test drive both. If the prices are similar, then go with the 55, it is a nicer car. But the 500 will not dissapoint.
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R35 GT-R, EvoX
Don't kill me for this...but the CLK55 is slightly faster. Nothing major but you can feel the difference. I like the AMG suspension better (obviously). Plus it has the cool AMG interior (exterior is identical besides rims and exhaust). The car also sounds very nice. If you get an '05 CLK500 you will get the 7 speed instead of a 5 speed.
I would like to run against a CLK55 and see how I do. I wouldnt be suprised if we would run very close to eachother (without nitrous of course
)
Good luck!
I would like to run against a CLK55 and see how I do. I wouldnt be suprised if we would run very close to eachother (without nitrous of course
)Good luck!
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I would have to say the two cars are very different in there power delivery. I own a 06 500 and i recently had the chance to drive a 04 Clk 55 and i know my 500 could not touch the 55 in a straight up drag race or from a rolling start. I have taken car to the track and it ran a 13.9 100 mph so i know im not driving a slug.. If i had the chance i would get a 55 but the employee pricing i got on the 500 it was just to hard to pass up.
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C43/55,2k11 Volvo S60 T6AWD,2k Audi B5 S4,95 Eagle Talon Tsi AWD 500+awhp
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All of them!
Oranges and apples. Why not say CLK320 vs. CLK55? They are all nice.
I don't believe you'll ever find a AMG owner saying "I wish I hadn't bought the AMG" or "I wish I had less power, smaller brakes or that stainless exhaust", etc...etc... You get a lot more than just a little power!
I love my AMG's and don't regret a moment. I think you'll find that is the answer for most. Drive them and make your decision based on your budget tastes and needs.
Rich
I don't believe you'll ever find a AMG owner saying "I wish I hadn't bought the AMG" or "I wish I had less power, smaller brakes or that stainless exhaust", etc...etc... You get a lot more than just a little power!
I love my AMG's and don't regret a moment. I think you'll find that is the answer for most. Drive them and make your decision based on your budget tastes and needs.
Rich
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You have a sick, very unique car, you'd probably spank me with NOS. but I love races, especially when its with German cars. If you ever come up to Westchester let me know. I live for this stuff, so I'll always be up for a run
And yes, of course the CLK55 is a better car than the CLK500, I don't think anybody is arguing with that.. Its just that I don't know if it is worth the increase in price. I also always believed that getting an AMG isn't worth it unless you get the Kompressor V8, but thats just me. And yes, the interior is awesome, I'm jealous of AMG owners. I get a thrill out of driving my father's SL55, its a real priveledge. I just wasn't blown away by the CLK55. If you compare the E500 and E55 or SL500 and the SL55 there is a major difference in both power, feel, and looks. With a CLK500 vs a CLK55 the exteriors are identical (besides the dual pipes), the interior of the 55 is nicer, there is an increase in power (it doesnt have the brutal power of the 55k engines), and the overall feel is just better. If you're a real performance enthusiast and the little details make all the difference to you, go with the 55, if not the 500 is just fine. Of course, I'm biased because I have a CLK500 and I modded it to suite my needs.
If you were looking at a new car, I would say CLK550 hands down.
Isnt there a video somewhere of a CLK500 vs a CLK55 on a small straight and they were very close with the 55 just barely staying ahead.
And yes, of course the CLK55 is a better car than the CLK500, I don't think anybody is arguing with that.. Its just that I don't know if it is worth the increase in price. I also always believed that getting an AMG isn't worth it unless you get the Kompressor V8, but thats just me. And yes, the interior is awesome, I'm jealous of AMG owners. I get a thrill out of driving my father's SL55, its a real priveledge. I just wasn't blown away by the CLK55. If you compare the E500 and E55 or SL500 and the SL55 there is a major difference in both power, feel, and looks. With a CLK500 vs a CLK55 the exteriors are identical (besides the dual pipes), the interior of the 55 is nicer, there is an increase in power (it doesnt have the brutal power of the 55k engines), and the overall feel is just better. If you're a real performance enthusiast and the little details make all the difference to you, go with the 55, if not the 500 is just fine. Of course, I'm biased because I have a CLK500 and I modded it to suite my needs.
If you were looking at a new car, I would say CLK550 hands down.
Isnt there a video somewhere of a CLK500 vs a CLK55 on a small straight and they were very close with the 55 just barely staying ahead.
Last edited by ItalianStallion; Oct 10, 2006 at 11:12 AM.
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From: Los Angeles, Ca
Sean's Sister--
You have a sick, very unique car, you'd probably spank me with NOS. but I love races, especially when its with German cars. If you ever come up to Westchester let me know. I live for this stuff, so I'll always be up for a run
And yes, of course the CLK55 is a better car than the CLK500, I don't think anybody is arguing with that.. Its just that I don't know if it is worth the increase in price. I also always believed that getting an AMG isn't worth it unless you get the Kompressor V8, but thats just me. And yes, the interior is awesome, I'm jealous of AMG owners. I get a thrill out of driving my father's SL55, its a real priveledge. I just wasn't blown away by the CLK55. If you compare the E500 and E55 or SL500 and the SL55 there is a major difference in both power, feel, and looks. With a CLK500 vs a CLK55 the exteriors are identical (besides the dual pipes), the interior of the 55 is nicer, there is an increase in power (it doesnt have the brutal power of the 55k engines), and the overall feel is just better. If you're a real performance enthusiast and the little details make all the difference to you, go with the 55, if not the 500 is just fine. Of course, I'm biased because I have a CLK500 and I modded it to suite my needs.
If you were looking at a new car, I would say CLK550 hands down.
Isnt there a video somewhere of a CLK500 vs a CLK55 on a small straight and they were very close with the 55 just barely staying ahead.
And yes, of course the CLK55 is a better car than the CLK500, I don't think anybody is arguing with that.. Its just that I don't know if it is worth the increase in price. I also always believed that getting an AMG isn't worth it unless you get the Kompressor V8, but thats just me. And yes, the interior is awesome, I'm jealous of AMG owners. I get a thrill out of driving my father's SL55, its a real priveledge. I just wasn't blown away by the CLK55. If you compare the E500 and E55 or SL500 and the SL55 there is a major difference in both power, feel, and looks. With a CLK500 vs a CLK55 the exteriors are identical (besides the dual pipes), the interior of the 55 is nicer, there is an increase in power (it doesnt have the brutal power of the 55k engines), and the overall feel is just better. If you're a real performance enthusiast and the little details make all the difference to you, go with the 55, if not the 500 is just fine. Of course, I'm biased because I have a CLK500 and I modded it to suite my needs.
If you were looking at a new car, I would say CLK550 hands down.
Isnt there a video somewhere of a CLK500 vs a CLK55 on a small straight and they were very close with the 55 just barely staying ahead.
i was shocked to see how much a 2003clk320 is worth....
