Clk55/clk430 Any Owned Both
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 932
Likes: 38
From: North of Boston
IMO there is no comparison. The overall performance of the 55 over the 430 is like day and night. When I had the 430, I thought that it was awesome. When I upgraded to the 55, I could not believe the positive difference. As far as fuel goes, I don't even check.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 516
Likes: 0
From: Iowa
'03 G500, '11 S550 4Matic, '12 SL63 AMG, '13 ML350, '16 AMG GTS Ed. 1
I agree with cindyclk, difficult to quantify the performance difference. The 55 just seems to keep pulling from every rpm range and does not seem to stop. Merging onto the interstate at any speed and the 55 always way more than needed...intoxicating! Passing is literally without thought and fully capable at any speed.
My previous 430 had stainless steel brake lines, as does the 55, so all things being equal, the performance difference in braking alone to me was very impressive. Personally, I think the stopping power of the 55 far exceeds the its dominace in power over the 430. These brakes are simply perfect for this car.
The fit and finish is "AMG." The interior feels superior in quality over the 430, just my perception. Just a different car altogether wrapped in the same skin. Probably more car than I need for the way I drive, but a great car all around!
As far as fuel consumption goes, I don't really pay attention as it is not my daily driver, but I can certainly tell I am at the pump more often than the 430. The 55 simply lends itslef to more spirited driving+bigger engine=more gas.
My previous 430 had stainless steel brake lines, as does the 55, so all things being equal, the performance difference in braking alone to me was very impressive. Personally, I think the stopping power of the 55 far exceeds the its dominace in power over the 430. These brakes are simply perfect for this car.
The fit and finish is "AMG." The interior feels superior in quality over the 430, just my perception. Just a different car altogether wrapped in the same skin. Probably more car than I need for the way I drive, but a great car all around!
As far as fuel consumption goes, I don't really pay attention as it is not my daily driver, but I can certainly tell I am at the pump more often than the 430. The 55 simply lends itslef to more spirited driving+bigger engine=more gas.
Last edited by brianw430; Dec 17, 2006 at 01:33 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 450
Likes: 0
From: Beantown
2003 clk55
I used to have an 01 430 that i loved but it was time to move on i was thinking a 99 996 porsche or 03 clk55 and i ended up with the 55. This car is amazing just raw power and the interior is a lot nicer. I always liked the front of the 03 55's but the rear is growing on me know. Id say 55 all the way if you can afford it and the power is definatley worth it. Gas milage on my 430 was about 20-24 now on the 55 its about 15-20 and if you like to get on it alot it will be less. hahah
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 13,489
Likes: 96
haters crazy
I currently own both. I love the 430 but the 55 blows it out the water in terms of performance. I havent driven a stock CLK55 in a long time so maybe my impression is a little skewed (have kleemann stuff on it). Brakes are simply amazing, I bought the brmebo Gran Turismo brakes for the future anyway. If you can afford it get the 55. I use my 430 as the daily (drive the 55 about 3 times a week). Both cars are awesome. Obviously the 55 uses more gas.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 264
Likes: 0
From: Lake Shore Drive Chicago
Im sorry overall from the 430 to the 55 is a huge difference!!!!!!not just performance.Well there are things I notice deff the stiffer suspension . The seats , sterring wheel , gauge cluster,seat controlls , exhaust tone and look, brakes!! and of course the xenon lights I know some 430's have em but not all do . I deffinatly noticed a huge difference in the trans to ......... those are my thoughts lol
Trending Topics
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 5,475
Likes: 5
From: City with Tall buildings!
C43/55,2k11 Volvo S60 T6AWD,2k Audi B5 S4,95 Eagle Talon Tsi AWD 500+awhp
LOL! Good thing the only diff between My C43 and it now being a W202 C43/C55 hybrid is just the engine!
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,386
Likes: 1
From: Bay Area, CA
01' CLK55
i owned a 99 clk430 a few years back and now i drive a 01 clk55. There is absolutely NO comparison at all. One shouldn't even put the 2 cars in the same sentence...lol. The 430 feels like a dog compared to the 55.
Fuel, on the other hand, is another story as well. I drove my 430 as hard as I drive my 55 now, but before I only had to fuel up twice a week. Now I need to pump gas 3-4 times per week, depending on how many cars decide to rev on me =)
Fuel, on the other hand, is another story as well. I drove my 430 as hard as I drive my 55 now, but before I only had to fuel up twice a week. Now I need to pump gas 3-4 times per week, depending on how many cars decide to rev on me =)
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
it would seem it was not worth the extra $6000 for the clk55 of the same year,i was going to buy.i must say though the handling is absolutely awfull in the 430.its probably because im used to driving evos.
