Here is some very interesting history on the 500E, 600E, AMG Hammer etc... W124

 

Very interesting article.
What is somewhat surprising is to look at the performance of a new E55 which, for half the price of a 6.0Renntec, has very similar performance (if not more) with a much better all around car.
I do not mean to put down those earlier cars, as they were great, but technology has imporved quite a bit in 5 to 8 years
jackD

 

Yes you are right. A W210 E55 vs. 1994 E500 has improved performance and handling for $10,000 U.S. dollars less. Technology is always evolving. It`s the cars of their time if you know what I mean.

 

Technology and price/performance will advance along with a number of improvements, notably in advanced engine management, stronger/lighter materials and improved manufacturing methods/tolerances -- amongst other things that allow these high-output motors to perform reliably over extended periods without grenading.

Today's modern high-powered sedan (AMG V8 and V12, BMW M5, Audi RSR, etc) are providing unheard-of output levels and supercar-level performance that would have matched the best of the German/Italian exotics from the early/mid 90s.

Interesting to note that price comparisons should factor in relative price/inflation over time -- a $60K car in 1994 could very well cost $80K or more today.

 

All of the "Supercar" stuff is very interesting and I’m sure it would be quite exhilarating to feel the incredible acceleration. On the other hand, my 1995 E320 already has good enough handling characteristics, acceleration, and all out speed to tempt me to break the speed limit on any road that I can find. I truly wonder what you do with all of the crazy power of a Supercar. It is like having the incredible 4-wheel drive capabilities of the Hummer that is only used to drive to the country club for a round of golf or to the grocery store for some milk.

I had an F350 4 x 4 pickup truck with traction lock front and rear axles and a 460 4-barrel motor. The thing was an absolute beast. I’m pretty sure it could have pulled a house off of its foundation. Originally, I purchased the truck because I was a climber for a tree company and I was planning to use the awesome truck as the foundation for my own small business. As it turned out, I went back for quite a bit more schooling and became a research scientist in a pharmaceutical company. I didn’t need the truck for work, but I still appreciated the beastly powers of my truck. After a while it just seemed ridiculous to keep the truck and I finally sold the truck to a friend that was still in the tree business. If I owned a Supercar, I think I would have to sell it to a racecar driver.

My E320 is a perfect car for me. As I said above, it has good enough handling characteristics, acceleration, and all out speed to tempt me to break the speed limit on any road that I can find. In addition, it is great for taking the family on vacation and it is a joy to drive such a well-engineered and beautiful automobile. Hey, I guess my E320 is actually a super car, or "Supercar".

 

Hey ksing44, your kinda like my dad. He says he does need that much power in a car where as I do. It`s your personal preferance whether you like powerful cars or not. I don`t know, some people have that sort of intrest where powerful isn`t powerful enough.

 

Actually I do get it. I think I am just trying to convince myself that it is absurd to want to get an E55 AMG, BMW M3, or Porsche 911. My post was really an excerpt from the internal struggle within my own mind. I am power hungry too.

 

Okay.

 

I had the rare privilege, luck, chance of driving a 2003 E55 a few weeks ago.
Although I have driven fast and very fast cars in my life, that one really get my attention. With the traction control activated, acceleration is simply indescribable. From 75mph, kick-down it and you are being catapulted to insane speeds in seconds.
Total comfort, all possible luxury gadgets, almost total silence, roadhandling fit for a sport car, brakes that mimic a brick wall, Simply unbelievable.
An I went back to my 260E feeling like a poor decadent welfare recipient.
Jackd

 

In my experience, you take it to the track... a closed road course purpose-built for the enjoyment of these vehicles. Anything else (street racing, etc) is dangerous, foolish, and does not do these machines justice.

 

Quit trying -- the need for speed is something we can all relate to. The vehicles you mention are all fine examples of modern, high-performance road cars that can be a lot of fun... just don't try to "justify" them based on practicality, logic, etc.

 

Very true!

 

Check out his link too!!!!! Here