diat150

Im in love with the 2004 series amg but at the same time I can get a newer model clk550 for just a little bit more. what is the downside to going with the clk550. I believe the clk550 is slightly slower, but is it more reliable in the long run? are the parts cheaper?

just wondering.

betrezra

There was quite a comparo between 55 owners and 550 owners last year...... I think the result was that the 550 was a little quicker than the 55 due to the better heads on the 550, and the 7speed trans, but please don't quote me on this.

I'm no hater of the 550, but I like the amg details, and the amg styling. I'm not really a fan of the wood grain interior or the light color leather appointments....... if I have a choice.

Also, if you plan to mod, there are not many motor mods avail for the 550...... the 55 motor has been done many times with some pretty well known (not in expensive) mods.

discoduck

Well put... I heard the 550s are a bit quicker off the line since they get a lot of torque at low rpms (if I remember, 300 lb-ft at 1500rpm)

The 55s are more exclusive and you get that giddy feeling about owning an AMG

bzliteyear

i think AMG owners sometimes forget how well tuned their cars are...until they no longer have it(this includes me). besides the obvious bigger brakes, exterior, suspension, the AMG's transmission works really well, imo, and holds gears longer/better than non-AMGs.

btw, last year i went from S55 to S600 thinking it would be similar but just bigger engine. although the 500hp and 600ft lb of torque is awesome, the transmission definitely doesn't shift as sport as S55.

good luck with your decision.

PL

dohcfiend

its a mercedes...parts are gonna cost u no matter what u get

from what i have read: if u like the twisties and styling better; get the AMG. If you like the straightline better get the 550

togaclk55

All I can say is that the clk55 is an AMG and is a blast to drive!

Nachtsturm

AMG hands down.

You save money, and you get an AMG. Sounds like a no brainer.

Moedy

speed is equal. The amg will have less body roll and the ride will be rougher but the 550 will have better mpg with the 7 speed and a smoother ride. Its your choice

togaclk55

I would test drive both cars and see which one you like more

LawRens

How badly do you want the 'exclusivity?' To some, the AMG engine and badge means everything, as it has history and prestige behind it. To others, it's just another engine and some letters tacked on.

Gylles Smyth

Test drive both cars on an open back-road and the differences will be very apparent. The CLK550 matches, if not exceeds the CLK55's acceleration (and offers better fuel economy while doing so), but beyond that, you'll find some distinct differences. While body roll in the CLK550 isn't much, it will be more than you'll notice in the CLK55. Even more noticeable is the softer, lighter feeling, and somewhat less communicative controls (more power assist).

Basically, the CLK550 is really what you'd expect of a Mercedes with a big V-8, while the AMG is what you'd expect from an AMG. Both are great at doing what they do, the AMG is just a little more raw and visceral.