The Jury

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.

cindyclk

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!

blackbenzz

Yea its a second faster. I own both

Jons95c36amg

I used to have a 03 350z which ran a 13.8@101mph. Now the Clk55 is like night and day. Especially the torque!

BlackOnBlackCLK

i had a 2001 430 and now i have a 2001 55 and believe me its way faster than the 430. the 55 feels like a different car

da_guitarist

had both, HUGE difference

Improviz

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.

MarcusF

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.

Boosted9603

I agree with everyone else! I had a 430 and then sold it and got a 55. The 55 is much better in terms of hp and tq.

blackbenzz

clk22

i had a 430 and wanted a 208amg but i found a great deal on a 209 AMG Its night and day between the 430 and 55.....

Stiggs

You're focusing on just HP.....don't forget the torque!

and yes....the 55 is a beast.

The Jury

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.

AMGOODNESS

what part of TN are you in? i grew up in Memphis.

OPALW208

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 Jury

Chattanooga

The Jury

Well I need to find one that is identical to my 430 first of all. I love my 430. It's a 99 and look at the interior CLICK ME

I'm picky. When I find one like that, silver exterior, all service records, and the right price, I'm in

Chappy

Come to ATL and I'll give you a ride...

Jons95c36amg

I had a little fun with a clk430 coupe. I let him go first when I was still in 5th gear. I reeled him in like he was standing still!

mbenzman

I had a CLK430 cab with wheels mess with me in my cab. Wasn't much of a comparison, like a knife against a nuke, but He knew what I had (he's a customer of mine who's ridden in Frankie) and well, got his spanking anyway. Bad boy, stay on the porch!
Here's a test ride.
http://s197.photobucket.com/player.s...fs=1&os=1&ap=1

blackbenzz

This is what happens when you sleep on a CLK430! And yes I won
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=alk0h-_9ul8

SteveHI

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.

GiZzO

God and i bought mine for 24k begining of this year. I try to sell myself ya mine was so expensive cause it had warranty, low miles (35k), rims and good history. Only if i waited more into the year.

SoCalCLK

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.

tnb1786

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.