roman

mbusa.com is claiming that 2003 S55 is 4.6 seconds 0-60mph.

is that really true? Did any of you guys test it? I can't believe a 4200 lbs car can do that?!!

I almost placed an order on Audi RS6, they claim it does 4.9 seconds 0-60mph. While talking to the dealer, I told him that I always wanted a benz, but performance was more important to me than luxury. The dealer said that Audi is not the only one out there that can break 5 second barrier. Porsche and Mercedes do too. I never liked Porsches, but I always thought that Benz's AMG and 6-liter models were slower than 5 seconds. But I guess the new 2003 model S600, S55, CL600 and CL55 all have 493hp engines with 4.6 sec 0-60mph time. Is the time true?

I don't mind spending another 20K on a luxury+performance. But I have a feeling that RS6 would beat S55 on a track, do I have a wrong assumption?

Another question. What do I get if I go with S600? Performance advantages over S55? Luxury advantages?

Instuh

You need an E55.

jswedberg

I'm sure an RS6 will beat an S55 on the track. The S55 is just too big and bulky. In fact, most people would never even consider running their S on a track - that just is not what it's for!

You need to figure what you really want. You don't get the gadgets or the rear legroom in an RS6.

Instuh is right - an E55 is a closer match to an RS6.

The S600 will have similar power but is biased even more towards luxury.

You say performance is more important than luxury - have you considered an M5? BMW is certainly biased more that way than Mercedes. If you want the performance but don't want a Porsche, and consider performance more important than luxury, you sound like a Bimmer kind of guy to me!

roman

thanks for replies guys.

RS6 would be here this summer. Do you know how soon E55 is coming to U.S.? [edit]I'm asking about W211. Do you guys know 0-60mph time on it? I suppose I should ask this question in W211 forum[/edit]

I don't like BMW since their new 7-series, Z3, Z4. I guess M5 would be a great choice performance-wise. But RS6 would still beat it, I believe. Unless of course I did some modding on M5. I don't know. You brought up an interesting idea. I like the design of 5-series a lot too. But there's something about the "rings" that appeals more to me than the bimmer. I need to think about it.

But if you say that E55 will be here sometime this year, the question is answered.

ndabunka

An M5 would absolutely run circles around an RS6. Handling is also far better (for a track). I used to own a '97 7-series and had friends with the M5's. They are AMAZING machines but are also a lot rougher ride. If you want performance and luxury, grab the benz. If all you want is performance, spend the same $'s on the M5.

jswedberg

Supposedly the E55 will arrive in the U.S. in May.

It may be tough to get, though - my dealer has a list and is sold out through the year.

brent0226

I don't think the "M5 would absolutely run circles around an RS6." Kabel1.de recently tested the M5 vs. E55 AMG vs. RS6, and performance numbers for both the M5 and RS6 were close. If you can't understand German, the video says the RS6 did the best in the slalom course... so then would you say "handling is also far better?"

http://www.kabel1.de/php-bin/scripts...rm,,NULL,,1,,1

btw - the E55 AMG was terrible in the slalom course... the RS6 was the slowest to 60 mph, but had the best braking distance...

vraa

So technically we would need a three-sided coin for this? :P

I personally would go for the M5 or the E55.. the RS6 doesn't have that big of an impact class wise in my eyes.

brent0226

whaaaatttt? I would go for either the E55 or RS6... I think the M5 looks outdated and doesn't look classy at all...

I think, on the other hand, that the RS6 looks the classiest - it has IMO the best wheels.. and I love the chrome mirrors...

MBguy_850

I love the look of the M5, it is rather outdated... considering BMW really hasnt changed the 5-series since the early 90's, (major makeover in '96, and clean up in '00?)

The m5 is VERY classy IMO. I think the 5's are some of the most elegant looking cars on the road. But I might just have to see the new E55 before I say which is better.

If it were me, I would take the Bimmer or the MB.

knihc2008

e55. definitely. but maybe this thread should be moved over to the e class forum.

Clarence

You feel like a king out there. My S55 gobbles up pretenders with ease.

James F. Cannon

If you can get the E55, go fro it. From what I have read about the W211, with rather inexpensive mods it should outperform all the heavier MB cars. I didn't want to be on a long waiting list so I had my W210 supercharged and due to it's lighter weight it definitely will outperform the W211 stock as well as the other new MB Kompressor cars. But the new cars will not require as much of an investment to achieve the performance level of mine.