W208 guys- For anyone that has driven both a 55 and a 430
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 527
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From: TN
2002 c240
W208 guys- For anyone that has driven both a 55 and a 430
I've been looking around at the 55 for a while now, just deciding when the right one is for me (currently in a 430). I'm not a paper racer, but I've seen consistent numbers enough to rely on them and I have to ask when I do find my 55......... am I going to notice a full second worth of difference? I know it'll be punchier, but a full second is a LOT of difference... more than just in the seat of your pants. A second is huge.
1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK430 6.1 14.5
2001 Mercedes-Benz CLK55 AMG 5.0 13.6
http://www.albeedigital.com/supercou...0-60times.html
I'm having a hard time seeing where a full second can be gained in what seems to be not exactly a huge HP boost. So, I figured I'd ask right where someone would know....... the owners. Anyone that has driven both will be able to honestly answer this question.
Hell, either way they are both faster than a Ferrari Testarossa.
1989 Ferrari Testarossa 6.2 14.2
http://www.albeedigital.com/supercou...0-60times.html
Na, but seriously.... with just this small amount of HP added, the 55 really pulls a full second harder? God that is just absolutely huge. I don't think people realize what it takes to move the same car 1 full second faster.
1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK430 6.1 14.5
2001 Mercedes-Benz CLK55 AMG 5.0 13.6
http://www.albeedigital.com/supercou...0-60times.html
I'm having a hard time seeing where a full second can be gained in what seems to be not exactly a huge HP boost. So, I figured I'd ask right where someone would know....... the owners. Anyone that has driven both will be able to honestly answer this question.
Hell, either way they are both faster than a Ferrari Testarossa.
1989 Ferrari Testarossa 6.2 14.2
http://www.albeedigital.com/supercou...0-60times.html
Na, but seriously.... with just this small amount of HP added, the 55 really pulls a full second harder? God that is just absolutely huge. I don't think people realize what it takes to move the same car 1 full second faster.
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 932
Likes: 38
From: North of Boston
I had a 430 and could not believe the performance difference of the 55 when I got it. Not only is it quicker 0-60, it just keeps on pulling (faster than I would ever want to go). It is worth every cent to go to the amg!
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Joined: Sep 2002
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CLS55 AMG
Drove both, not even a contest in terms of acceleration...the CLK430 is definitely no slouch, but the CLK55 is just a BEAST by comparison. Plus, it has lots of goodies, much nicer package.
Just make sure you get an extended warranty if possible on either of them, or at the very least have it thoroughly checked out prior to purchase.
Just make sure you get an extended warranty if possible on either of them, or at the very least have it thoroughly checked out prior to purchase.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2005
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From: SCV SoCal
2002 CLK430
I've driven both. The 55 pulls away like the 430's the emergency brake on. Like the 430's running on 4 flats. Like the 430 is going uphill and the 55 is going down.
If a 55 launched in winter mode, and got a door length lead, before I could think "I'm in front", I'd be looking at tail lights - AND I CHEAT!!
OK, maybe I'm exaggerating a little, but not by much. And if it's Blackbenzz's car forget about that one second stuff. He'll spot a 430 two car lengths and be past it before the 430's traction control light goes off.
If a 55 launched in winter mode, and got a door length lead, before I could think "I'm in front", I'd be looking at tail lights - AND I CHEAT!!
OK, maybe I'm exaggerating a little, but not by much. And if it's Blackbenzz's car forget about that one second stuff. He'll spot a 430 two car lengths and be past it before the 430's traction control light goes off.
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Out Of Control!!
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 13,489
Likes: 96
haters crazy
I've driven both. The 55 pulls away like the 430's the emergency brake on. Like the 430's running on 4 flats. Like the 430 is going uphill and the 55 is going down.
If a 55 launched in winter mode, and got a door length lead, before I could think "I'm in front", I'd be looking at tail lights - AND I CHEAT!!
OK, maybe I'm exaggerating a little, but not by much. And if it's Blackbenzz's car forget about that one second stuff. He'll spot a 430 two car lengths and be past it before the 430's traction control light goes off.
If a 55 launched in winter mode, and got a door length lead, before I could think "I'm in front", I'd be looking at tail lights - AND I CHEAT!!
OK, maybe I'm exaggerating a little, but not by much. And if it's Blackbenzz's car forget about that one second stuff. He'll spot a 430 two car lengths and be past it before the 430's traction control light goes off.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,894
Likes: 8
From: Connecticut
2003 CLK55
I'm having a hard time seeing where a full second can be gained in what seems to be not exactly a huge HP boost. So, I figured I'd ask right where someone would know....... the owners. Anyone that has driven both will be able to honestly answer this question.
Na, but seriously.... with just this small amount of HP added, the 55 really pulls a full second harder? God that is just absolutely huge. I don't think people realize what it takes to move the same car 1 full second faster.
You're focusing on just HP.....don't forget the torque!
and yes....the 55 is a beast.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 527
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From: TN
2002 c240
Good stuff, makes me want to just buy the next one I see. 
I've been holding out for the right one though. I'm partial to my car, I like it the way it is. The silver/black is the way to go for me. I won't even notice a difference looking out in the driveway since they both have the AMG appearance package and just a slight thickness in wheel spokes. Gotta find the right service records and tie it into the right price, then I'll be set.
So, anyone race any Testarossa's lately? 
(LOL). Looking forward to my purchase.
I've been holding out for the right one though. I'm partial to my car, I like it the way it is. The silver/black is the way to go for me. I won't even notice a difference looking out in the driveway since they both have the AMG appearance package and just a slight thickness in wheel spokes. Gotta find the right service records and tie it into the right price, then I'll be set. So, anyone race any Testarossa's lately?
(LOL). Looking forward to my purchase.
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,195
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From: The Bay
SL55, C63
i owned a 430 before I purchased the 55. Can't put the 2 cars in the same sentence when it comes to performace. They are 2 completely different animals.
The 55 right now is worth every penny, especially when some people are selling theirs in the $12K-$15K price range =)
The 55 right now is worth every penny, especially when some people are selling theirs in the $12K-$15K price range =)
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 527
Likes: 5
From: TN
2002 c240
i owned a 430 before I purchased the 55. Can't put the 2 cars in the same sentence when it comes to performace. They are 2 completely different animals.
The 55 right now is worth every penny, especially when some people are selling theirs in the $12K-$15K price range =)
The 55 right now is worth every penny, especially when some people are selling theirs in the $12K-$15K price range =)
I'm picky.
When I find one like that, silver exterior, all service records, and the right price, I'm in
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 9,734
Likes: 65
From: Hotlanta
AMG
Come to ATL and I'll give you a ride...
I've been looking around at the 55 for a while now, just deciding when the right one is for me (currently in a 430). I'm not a paper racer, but I've seen consistent numbers enough to rely on them and I have to ask when I do find my 55......... am I going to notice a full second worth of difference? I know it'll be punchier, but a full second is a LOT of difference... more than just in the seat of your pants. A second is huge.
1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK430 6.1 14.5
2001 Mercedes-Benz CLK55 AMG 5.0 13.6
http://www.albeedigital.com/supercou...0-60times.html
I'm having a hard time seeing where a full second can be gained in what seems to be not exactly a huge HP boost. So, I figured I'd ask right where someone would know....... the owners. Anyone that has driven both will be able to honestly answer this question.
Hell, either way they are both faster than a Ferrari Testarossa.
1989 Ferrari Testarossa 6.2 14.2
http://www.albeedigital.com/supercou...0-60times.html
Na, but seriously.... with just this small amount of HP added, the 55 really pulls a full second harder? God that is just absolutely huge. I don't think people realize what it takes to move the same car 1 full second faster.
1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK430 6.1 14.5
2001 Mercedes-Benz CLK55 AMG 5.0 13.6
http://www.albeedigital.com/supercou...0-60times.html
I'm having a hard time seeing where a full second can be gained in what seems to be not exactly a huge HP boost. So, I figured I'd ask right where someone would know....... the owners. Anyone that has driven both will be able to honestly answer this question.
Hell, either way they are both faster than a Ferrari Testarossa.
1989 Ferrari Testarossa 6.2 14.2
http://www.albeedigital.com/supercou...0-60times.html
Na, but seriously.... with just this small amount of HP added, the 55 really pulls a full second harder? God that is just absolutely huge. I don't think people realize what it takes to move the same car 1 full second faster.
Super Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 784
Likes: 0
From: Ga.
All of them!
Here's a test ride.
http://s197.photobucket.com/player.s...fs=1&os=1&ap=1
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 13,489
Likes: 96
haters crazy
This is what happens when you sleep on a CLK430! And yes I won
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=alk0h-_9ul8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=alk0h-_9ul8
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 73
Likes: 0
From: Honolulu, HI
2005 E55
I had a '99 430. My biggest problem with it wasn't necessarily the HP/torque (or lack thereof), but the transmission. Without getting on the accelerator constantly, it was too slow kickdown and too eager to upshift. The subsequent models with Speedshift would be much preferred.
And although I own a W209 now, I still think the W208 looks better.
And although I own a W209 now, I still think the W208 looks better.
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 596
Likes: 0
From: West Los Angeles, CA
CLK55 / E350 Coupe
i owned a 430 before I purchased the 55. Can't put the 2 cars in the same sentence when it comes to performace. They are 2 completely different animals.
The 55 right now is worth every penny, especially when some people are selling theirs in the $12K-$15K price range =)
The 55 right now is worth every penny, especially when some people are selling theirs in the $12K-$15K price range =)
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,974
Likes: 5
From: Southern California
2017 W205 C43 AMG
Had a 2002 W208 CLK430. Great hp, very easy to drive, smooth power delivery, stable suspension and transmission.
Current 2004 W209 CLK55 AMG. More of everything. Power and transmission are much improved. W209 handles better because of the 40% stiffer chassis and improved AMG suspension and true rack & pinion steering vs. the old ball and track in the W208.
Lookswise, they both looked great in their own right at different angles. I like the W209.
Current 2004 W209 CLK55 AMG. More of everything. Power and transmission are much improved. W209 handles better because of the 40% stiffer chassis and improved AMG suspension and true rack & pinion steering vs. the old ball and track in the W208.
Lookswise, they both looked great in their own right at different angles. I like the W209.
Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 189
Likes: 0
From: Orange County, CA
SS Minnow Johnson
some of u may know mine was stolen back in Aug. it sux to read everyones glory and excitement over their w208. id buy another one but it wont be DD this go around. i hoping to give blackbenzz a run for his money when i get my next one. in the mean time ill just settle with my w204. 
