CLS55 vs Vanquish
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CLS55 vs Vanquish
Met my friend for lunch yesterday and after eating I knew darn well he wanted to show me what was what with his 300k Austin Martin against my new CSL55. As we walked to our cars he stopped and looked mine over. Said it looked really nice but I "didn't want any" from his vanquish.
Took a little while to get away from congested LA streets as we would give little bursts here and there making people look over. We finally maneuvered up to a red light side by side. I was just thinking I should change from sport mode to manual when the light changed. I didn't even have time to take the ABS off but right out of the gate I pulled ahead of him about a car length even with the ABS light flickering a bit. For the next block I just kept pulling farther ahead until we had to slow. Being a good friend he smiled and gave me the thumbs up. Soon after we jumped on the freeway to go our separate ways and I had the same results on a pretty steep on-ramp pulling way ahead of him but noticed as I approached 120 he held the distance. Good fun.
Can't wait until the mods. I have many friends that want to go at it with a F430, SRT Viper, SL55 and a Gallardo. I will keep all posted.
Took a little while to get away from congested LA streets as we would give little bursts here and there making people look over. We finally maneuvered up to a red light side by side. I was just thinking I should change from sport mode to manual when the light changed. I didn't even have time to take the ABS off but right out of the gate I pulled ahead of him about a car length even with the ABS light flickering a bit. For the next block I just kept pulling farther ahead until we had to slow. Being a good friend he smiled and gave me the thumbs up. Soon after we jumped on the freeway to go our separate ways and I had the same results on a pretty steep on-ramp pulling way ahead of him but noticed as I approached 120 he held the distance. Good fun.
Can't wait until the mods. I have many friends that want to go at it with a F430, SRT Viper, SL55 and a Gallardo. I will keep all posted.
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From: Salt Lake City (but not Morm)
2003 E55 & 2014 GL550
Nice kill.
Please please....never race in manual mode......the 5 speed shifts faster than we ever could.
Guy after guy has tried it at the track and found it does no good.....if not hurts times.
Best times besides getting the cars in dyno mode.....just leave um alone...granny suspension....S tranny...anti skid on.... and let um fly.
Please please....never race in manual mode......the 5 speed shifts faster than we ever could.
Guy after guy has tried it at the track and found it does no good.....if not hurts times.
Best times besides getting the cars in dyno mode.....just leave um alone...granny suspension....S tranny...anti skid on.... and let um fly.
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Originally Posted by DancingBenzos
From that list only the SRT10 should give you a real run for your money. The F-Car and the Bull might get you up top, but down low i think youll pull them.
We'll see. I get the car back next fri with my K1 mods and renntech monolite wheels.
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2026 Mercedes CLE53A4 AMG Cabriolet and 2025 MAYBACH EQS680V4
So nice to dream...
Originally Posted by Speed Thrills
Met my friend for lunch yesterday and after eating I knew darn well he wanted to show me what was what with his 300k Austin Martin against my new CSL55. As we walked to our cars he stopped and looked mine over. Said it looked really nice but I "didn't want any" from his vanquish.
Took a little while to get away from congested LA streets as we would give little bursts here and there making people look over. We finally maneuvered up to a red light side by side. I was just thinking I should change from sport mode to manual when the light changed. I didn't even have time to take the ABS off but right out of the gate I pulled ahead of him about a car length even with the ABS light flickering a bit. For the next block I just kept pulling farther ahead until we had to slow. Being a good friend he smiled and gave me the thumbs up. Soon after we jumped on the freeway to go our separate ways and I had the same results on a pretty steep on-ramp pulling way ahead of him but noticed as I approached 120 he held the distance. Good fun.
Can't wait until the mods. I have many friends that want to go at it with a F430, SRT Viper, SL55 and a Gallardo. I will keep all posted.
Took a little while to get away from congested LA streets as we would give little bursts here and there making people look over. We finally maneuvered up to a red light side by side. I was just thinking I should change from sport mode to manual when the light changed. I didn't even have time to take the ABS off but right out of the gate I pulled ahead of him about a car length even with the ABS light flickering a bit. For the next block I just kept pulling farther ahead until we had to slow. Being a good friend he smiled and gave me the thumbs up. Soon after we jumped on the freeway to go our separate ways and I had the same results on a pretty steep on-ramp pulling way ahead of him but noticed as I approached 120 he held the distance. Good fun.
Can't wait until the mods. I have many friends that want to go at it with a F430, SRT Viper, SL55 and a Gallardo. I will keep all posted.
While your CLS55 is a nice car, I wouldn't even try to mention it in the same breath as the Vanquish S.
Having driven both cars I can assure you the CLS55 can not even be compared in terms of speed, handling or anything for that matter.
That fact that you were beating the Vanquish is only because the person in the Vanquish was either crippled or just wanted you to have a nice dream.
The Vanquish S is one of the best exotic cars in the world and to even compare it to the CLS55 is a disgrace. Actual road and track test results would confirm this.
I hope you enjoy your dream and are equally able to enjoy your car when you wake up.
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Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Southern, CA.
V12-Biturbo
Originally Posted by LovinSL600
While I certainly wish you the very best, you do need to wake up from your dreams.
While your CLS55 is a nice car, I wouldn't even try to mention it in the same breath as the Vanquish S.
Having driven both cars I can assure you the CLS55 can not even be compared in terms of speed, handling or anything for that matter.
That fact that you were beating the Vanquish is only because the person in the Vanquish was either crippled or just wanted you to have a nice dream.
The Vanquish S is one of the best exotic cars in the world and to even compare it to the CLS55 is a disgrace. Actual road and track test results would confirm this.
I hope you enjoy your dream and are equally able to enjoy your car when you wake up.
While your CLS55 is a nice car, I wouldn't even try to mention it in the same breath as the Vanquish S.
Having driven both cars I can assure you the CLS55 can not even be compared in terms of speed, handling or anything for that matter.
That fact that you were beating the Vanquish is only because the person in the Vanquish was either crippled or just wanted you to have a nice dream.
The Vanquish S is one of the best exotic cars in the world and to even compare it to the CLS55 is a disgrace. Actual road and track test results would confirm this.
I hope you enjoy your dream and are equally able to enjoy your car when you wake up.
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From: Cave Creek, AZ and Newport Beach
'22 G 63 AMG, '21 GLE 53 AMG, '20 NSX
Has Top Gear or any reputable mag published any figures on the Vanquish S?
I really need to know, so I can slither away and avoid any embarrassment if I should encouter an S on the street in my lowly CLS. It would appear that the DNA of the Vanquish S is clearly blue blood, derived from the blue oval of its parent Ford Motor Company.
BTW, its torque that wins races. And the CLS has the S covered.
I really need to know, so I can slither away and avoid any embarrassment if I should encouter an S on the street in my lowly CLS. It would appear that the DNA of the Vanquish S is clearly blue blood, derived from the blue oval of its parent Ford Motor Company.
BTW, its torque that wins races. And the CLS has the S covered.
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It is not just torque that is important but gearing is a very important factor too. Otherwise with its lowly 262ft of torque the m3 would be a really slow car compared to many others in the performance market, but guess what, it is not.
And a v12 is always a v12.
And a v12 is always a v12.
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From: Las Vegas, NV
Originally Posted by LovinSL600
While I certainly wish you the very best, you do need to wake up from your dreams.
While your CLS55 is a nice car, I wouldn't even try to mention it in the same breath as the Vanquish S.
Having driven both cars I can assure you the CLS55 can not even be compared in terms of speed, handling or anything for that matter.
That fact that you were beating the Vanquish is only because the person in the Vanquish was either crippled or just wanted you to have a nice dream.
The Vanquish S is one of the best exotic cars in the world and to even compare it to the CLS55 is a disgrace. Actual road and track test results would confirm this.
I hope you enjoy your dream and are equally able to enjoy your car when you wake up.
While your CLS55 is a nice car, I wouldn't even try to mention it in the same breath as the Vanquish S.
Having driven both cars I can assure you the CLS55 can not even be compared in terms of speed, handling or anything for that matter.
That fact that you were beating the Vanquish is only because the person in the Vanquish was either crippled or just wanted you to have a nice dream.
The Vanquish S is one of the best exotic cars in the world and to even compare it to the CLS55 is a disgrace. Actual road and track test results would confirm this.
I hope you enjoy your dream and are equally able to enjoy your car when you wake up.
Do you have factual data from a reputable source regarding so called actual road and track results? 
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From: North Scottsdale, AZ
2008 Bentley GTC, Porsche GT2/EVOMS GT700, 1968 Dodge Charger Hemi
Guys, I have a 552hp W-12 Bentley Continental GT, it's a really great car, all wheel drive with alot of HP. It can't hold a candle to my S600 for acceleration though. The Benz pins you to the seat and makes you feel like you are on the downside of the biggest hill on the biggest roller coaster in the world. I took the Bentley to the dragstrip tonight and the best I could get was 13.3@106 (****ty track and air temp was 90f) The S600 ran a 12.4@115 2 weeks ago in hotter weather at the same track. My point is; the british cars just don't have the down low, kick in the nuts torque that benzes do...the kind of torque that wins you races from light to light on the street.
BTW, my buddys got a Vanquish S, it is probably in the top 3 most beautiful cars on the road and it sounds like a wet dream. We raced (me in the SL) it wasn't even close, I got him off the line and kept pulling away to 120 when I hit the brakes, I was about 4 or 5 car lengths in front of him.
BTW, my buddys got a Vanquish S, it is probably in the top 3 most beautiful cars on the road and it sounds like a wet dream. We raced (me in the SL) it wasn't even close, I got him off the line and kept pulling away to 120 when I hit the brakes, I was about 4 or 5 car lengths in front of him.
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From: North Scottsdale, AZ
2008 Bentley GTC, Porsche GT2/EVOMS GT700, 1968 Dodge Charger Hemi
From the Car and Driver website:
ASTON MARTIN V-12 VANQUISH S
Vehicle type: front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 2- or 2+2-passenger, 2-door coupe
Base price: $255,000
Engine type: DOHC 48-valve V-12, aluminum block and heads, port fuel injection
Displacement: 362 cu in, 5935cc
Power (SAE net): 520 bhp @ 7000 rpm
Torque (SAE net): 426 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Transmission: 6-speed manual with
automated shifting and clutch
Wheelbase: 105.9 in
Length/width/height: 183.7/75.7/51.9 in
Curb weight: 4150 lb
C/D-estimated performance:
Zero to 60 mph: 4.2 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 10.1 sec
Standing 1/4-mile: 12.6 sec @ 115 mph
ASTON MARTIN V-12 VANQUISH S
Vehicle type: front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 2- or 2+2-passenger, 2-door coupe
Base price: $255,000
Engine type: DOHC 48-valve V-12, aluminum block and heads, port fuel injection
Displacement: 362 cu in, 5935cc
Power (SAE net): 520 bhp @ 7000 rpm
Torque (SAE net): 426 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Transmission: 6-speed manual with
automated shifting and clutch
Wheelbase: 105.9 in
Length/width/height: 183.7/75.7/51.9 in
Curb weight: 4150 lb
C/D-estimated performance:
Zero to 60 mph: 4.2 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 10.1 sec
Standing 1/4-mile: 12.6 sec @ 115 mph
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2026 Mercedes CLE53A4 AMG Cabriolet and 2025 MAYBACH EQS680V4
Originally Posted by RennTechV12
BTW, my buddys got a Vanquish S, it is probably in the top 3 most beautiful cars on the road and it sounds like a wet dream. We raced (me in the SL) it wasn't even close, I got him off the line and kept pulling away to 120 when I hit the brakes, I was about 4 or 5 car lengths in front of him.
635 HP...probably going to smoke most things. You might loose ground though on some of those turns.
.
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From: North Scottsdale, AZ
2008 Bentley GTC, Porsche GT2/EVOMS GT700, 1968 Dodge Charger Hemi
Originally Posted by LovinSL600
There are only but a few cars in this world that will keep up with a SL600 with the RennTech upgrade.
635 HP...probably going to smoke most things. You might loose ground though on some of those turns.
.
635 HP...probably going to smoke most things. You might loose ground though on some of those turns.
.
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Joined: Jul 2005
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From: North Scottsdale, AZ
2008 Bentley GTC, Porsche GT2/EVOMS GT700, 1968 Dodge Charger Hemi
Do you get one of those little plaques in the car that says: "this Aston Martin was manufactured for..." ? That's incredibly cool!!
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2026 Mercedes CLE53A4 AMG Cabriolet and 2025 MAYBACH EQS680V4
Originally Posted by RennTechV12
True, I'm not trying to knock the Vanquish at all. When yours arrives you will always have the fattest car no matter where you go. When you get into the price range of the cars we're talking about it's all about preference, and I can see why you chose the Vanquish!!!
.
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Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 689
Likes: 2
From: North Scottsdale, AZ
2008 Bentley GTC, Porsche GT2/EVOMS GT700, 1968 Dodge Charger Hemi
Originally Posted by LovinSL600
Thanks! I am not sure if you are aware but the interior is getting a new console. Here is the new vs old interior. Old first...then new. What do you think?
.
.
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2026 Mercedes CLE53A4 AMG Cabriolet and 2025 MAYBACH EQS680V4
Originally Posted by RennTechV12
What colors did you get?
Interior - Upper environment is Black
Interior - Lower environment is Black Cherry
Exterior of seats - Black
Interior seat panels - Black Cherry
Carpeting - Black Cherry
Carpet edging - Black
Headliner is Black
Basically the same as the interior above except the inserts on the doors and seats are Black Cherry and not Red and the carpeting is Black Cherry and not Black.
.
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CLS55 AMG
Originally Posted by RennTechV12
From the Car and Driver website:
ASTON MARTIN V-12 VANQUISH S
Vehicle type: front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 2- or 2+2-passenger, 2-door coupe
Base price: $255,000
Engine type: DOHC 48-valve V-12, aluminum block and heads, port fuel injection
Displacement: 362 cu in, 5935cc
Power (SAE net): 520 bhp @ 7000 rpm
Torque (SAE net): 426 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Transmission: 6-speed manual with
automated shifting and clutch
Wheelbase: 105.9 in
Length/width/height: 183.7/75.7/51.9 in
Curb weight: 4150 lb
C/D-estimated performance:
Zero to 60 mph: 4.2 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 10.1 sec
Standing 1/4-mile: 12.6 sec @ 115 mph
ASTON MARTIN V-12 VANQUISH S
Vehicle type: front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 2- or 2+2-passenger, 2-door coupe
Base price: $255,000
Engine type: DOHC 48-valve V-12, aluminum block and heads, port fuel injection
Displacement: 362 cu in, 5935cc
Power (SAE net): 520 bhp @ 7000 rpm
Torque (SAE net): 426 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Transmission: 6-speed manual with
automated shifting and clutch
Wheelbase: 105.9 in
Length/width/height: 183.7/75.7/51.9 in
Curb weight: 4150 lb
C/D-estimated performance:
Zero to 60 mph: 4.2 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 10.1 sec
Standing 1/4-mile: 12.6 sec @ 115 mph
http://www.caranddriver.com/article....&page_number=1
CLS55 AMG:
Originally Posted by Car&Driver
The CLS55 takes only 4.2 seconds to run to 60 mph, and the quarter-mile falls in 12.5 seconds at 115 mph. The E55 in last year's comparison test got to 60 in 4.3 seconds and posted an identical 12.5-second quarter at a marginally faster 116 mph.
Originally Posted by LovinSL600
Having driven both cars I can assure you the CLS55 can not even be compared in terms of speed, handling or anything for that matter.
As can be seen by the data above, the CLS55 was actually tested faster than the estimate of the Vanquish's performance in the 1/4 mile by the same publication, and is easily as fast in a straight line, and probably doesn't suffer much in handling either given the Aston's weight is about the same. So to claim that the Vanquish will massacre the CLS55 seems more than a tad bit unrealistic.
And Speed Thrills was probably not running against the 520 hp version either, but the 460 hp version, which isn't nearly as fast as the new one.
Now, having said all of that, I seriously doubt that there's anyone here who would prefer the CLS55 to the Vanquish! That thing is sex on wheels.
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2026 Mercedes CLE53A4 AMG Cabriolet and 2025 MAYBACH EQS680V4
Originally Posted by Improviz
From the same website:
http://www.caranddriver.com/article....&page_number=1
CLS55 AMG:
Having observed published road test data for both cars, I'd say you're wrong.
As can be seen by the data above, the CLS55 was actually tested faster than the estimate of the Vanquish's performance in the 1/4 mile by the same publication, and is easily as fast in a straight line, and probably doesn't suffer much in handling either given the Aston's weight is about the same. So to claim that the Vanquish will massacre the CLS55 seems more than a tad bit unrealistic.
And Speed Thrills was probably not running against the 520 hp version either, but the 460 hp version, which isn't nearly as fast as the new one.
Now, having said all of that, I seriously doubt that there's anyone here who would prefer the CLS55 to the Vanquish! That thing is sex on wheels.
http://www.caranddriver.com/article....&page_number=1
CLS55 AMG:
Having observed published road test data for both cars, I'd say you're wrong.
As can be seen by the data above, the CLS55 was actually tested faster than the estimate of the Vanquish's performance in the 1/4 mile by the same publication, and is easily as fast in a straight line, and probably doesn't suffer much in handling either given the Aston's weight is about the same. So to claim that the Vanquish will massacre the CLS55 seems more than a tad bit unrealistic.
And Speed Thrills was probably not running against the 520 hp version either, but the 460 hp version, which isn't nearly as fast as the new one.
Now, having said all of that, I seriously doubt that there's anyone here who would prefer the CLS55 to the Vanquish! That thing is sex on wheels.
A highly skilled driver can take turns faster and better in a slower and less performance oriented car than a less skilled driver in the high performance car.
The bottom line here is exactly what has been said, you go for the car that you want and that fits into how much you a willing to spend for a car.
I assure you that I thought I would never spend $300,000 for a car or that any car could even justify that expenditure. After I drove the Vanquish S, that all changed. While I do think the CLS has many things to offer, I doubt I would have spent $300,000 for it.
.
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CLS55 AMG
Originally Posted by LovinSL600
The reality of it, for most of us, is that we do not have the skill set to be able to push a car where you can tell the difference between a tenth of a second or even more.
Originally Posted by LovinSL600
A highly skilled driver can take turns faster and better in a slower and less performance oriented car than a less skilled driver in the high performance car.
Originally Posted by LovinSL600
The bottom line here is exactly what has been said, you go for the car that you want and that fits into how much you a willing to spend for a car.
I assure you that I thought I would never spend $300,000 for a car or that any car could even justify that expenditure. After I drove the Vanquish S, that all changed. While I do think the CLS has many things to offer, I doubt I would have spent $300,000 for it.
I assure you that I thought I would never spend $300,000 for a car or that any car could even justify that expenditure. After I drove the Vanquish S, that all changed. While I do think the CLS has many things to offer, I doubt I would have spent $300,000 for it.
Last edited by Improviz; Sep 10, 2005 at 07:37 PM.
