E-Class (W211) 2003-2009

Tough Choice

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Old May 31, 2003 | 06:50 PM
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Tough Choice

I can't decide, either a E500 (W211) or C32 (W203)... I like the E500 because it is SWEET plus its got legroom for a guy with a height of 6ft, but the C32.. well.. its AMG!!! with 349 hp!!

Both are about the same (in the $50k's - USD-) price. Any suggestions? I like a Black E55 with panoramic & keyless go with a light greyish interior... or a Silver or Black (which do you like better) C32.
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Old May 31, 2003 | 07:21 PM
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you live in NY, like me, where are you going to use 349HP? every road is a speedtrap. go for the E500, its smoother over the potholes!
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Old Jun 2, 2003 | 07:21 AM
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E500, White, Pacfic Blue Int. Sport
Just my opinion - but thats a no-brainer

the E is just a better car, you will grow tired of the cramped C. The 500 has plenty of power. Unless you have to have a stick.
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Old Jun 2, 2003 | 07:50 AM
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03 E320, sport package, moon roof, sound upgrade, brilliant silver, charcoal leather, heated seats..
I realize Americans have discovered ultra horsepower cars, and now cannot bear the thought of life without it. Yesterday, I was tooling down a road @ 65mph (speed limit), and periodic speed traps. In this area there is rarely found a road that is not heavily trafficked. A CLK500 passed me, and about 10 minutes later a C32. There were probably 100 cars in front of me. I watched the brake lights of both cars for 50 miles. They would weave lane to lane in search of a brief stretch to accelerate, and ultimately appeared to ride the brakes most of the time. It was both sad and humorous. Those ponies wanted to run, badly. The two cars inched forward over time until they were out of site after the 50 miles. It was torture to watch them.

If you are in a congested area, consider if the cost of high horsepower is worth it. There are other ways to get an ego boost if that is the true goal.
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Old Jun 2, 2003 | 09:06 AM
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The e500 has plenty of power but its not a performance car like the C32.

At 6' (an in shape 6 feet) you shouldn't have any problems with the C32. You should consider that most people will only see the C32 as a C-Class. May or may not be a consideration. Also, if you are younger, the C32 makes sense at 50, probably not.

You get more car for your money with the E500 as well as a brand new body style and all the good stuff. H/e, if you crave power and the AMG badge, go for the C32. Its fast, fast, fast.

At the end of the day, by the one that fits your lifestyle.
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Old Jun 2, 2003 | 09:20 AM
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Originally posted by drb
I realize Americans have discovered ultra horsepower cars, and now cannot bear the thought of life without it.
given re
DRB -- what are you talking about???

In the US, cars come equipped with more options and power at a much lower cost. I'm not sure that is an obession with power.

The reality is that in many other countries, pick one, cars have less options, less power, a much lower 'base' package, and are much MORE expensive (base, taxes, etc).

They dont offer these scaled down engine sizes because other countries want less power, its because they have to get the price down to something somewhat affordable.
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Old Jun 2, 2003 | 05:49 PM
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2003 E320
I like a Black E55 with panoramic & keyless go with a light greyish interior... or a Silver or Black (which do you like better) C32.
I went with the brilliant silver/charcoal interior combination, and with the panorama sunroof, I think it's just beautiful!! I'm extremely happy with my choice! And I vote for the E500 for you over the C32. I have a tall friend that has a C Class, and he feels cramped in it, while he is comfortable in my car.

Last edited by rickyfanmdr; Jun 2, 2003 at 05:55 PM.
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