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S-Class (W221) 2007-2013: S 320 CDI, S 350, S 450, S 500, S 550, S 420 CDI, S 600

Beter handling s500 or s550?

     
Old Nov 2, 2011 | 11:19 PM
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Beter handling s500 or s550?
Hi guys, I know I might get a bias opinion here but it looks like 221 is a bit more active so I'm hoping for sone input.

I know this is a heavy car and not a sports coupe. But relative to it's zone of operation, does s550 (being newer) handle better than 500?
I'm wondering because 550 is heavier and only has one sport setting (2007-2009) where as the s500 is a tad lighter and has the option to go extra stiff.
From someone who owned both or driven extensively, can I get some input?

Thanks.
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Old Nov 2, 2011 | 11:34 PM
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It depends on whether you're comparing ABC vs Airmatic. I can't be of much help as my W220 has Airmatic while my W221 had ABC, however, my W221 did seem to feel lighter and a bit smaller than it really was. The W220 doesn't have the same effect, IMO.
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Old Nov 2, 2011 | 11:48 PM
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I thought 550 is also on airmatic, is abc an option?
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Old Nov 3, 2011 | 12:50 AM
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all s550 have at least airmatic. abs is an option
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Old Nov 4, 2011 | 11:39 AM
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Anyone, any opinions?
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Old Nov 4, 2011 | 01:42 PM
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The best or nothing
The question is wrong. 500 = 550. So you want to ask if standard Airmatic or optional ABC is better. ABC is way better.
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Old Nov 4, 2011 | 01:44 PM
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Originally Posted by Armadillo888
The question is wrong. 500 = 550. So you want to ask if standard Airmatic or optional ABC is better. ABC is way better.
I know abc ia better than airmatic. My question is if both are riding on airmatic is 550 better or the same?
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Old Nov 4, 2011 | 02:07 PM
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Originally Posted by malahhaor
I know abc ia better than airmatic. My question is if both are riding on airmatic is 550 better or the same?
S500 is original name. S550 is S500 rebranded for US market. If it makes you understand, "both" ride the same.
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Old Nov 4, 2011 | 02:13 PM
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I think he wants to know the ride differences between W220 and W221 both Airmatic.
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Old Nov 4, 2011 | 02:18 PM
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Originally Posted by CharlyE500
I think he wants to know the ride differences between W220 and W221 both Airmatic.
Yes w220 vs w221
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Old Nov 4, 2011 | 02:19 PM
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Originally Posted by CharlyE500
I think he wants to know the ride differences between W220 and W221 both Airmatic.
I see, in that case W221 is platform is better, as reported by owners who made the transition.
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Old Nov 4, 2011 | 02:28 PM
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However, W221 is much heavier...... i always thought heavier car handle worse than lighter car....
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Old Nov 4, 2011 | 03:31 PM
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Originally Posted by CharlyE500
However, W221 is much heavier...... i always thought heavier car handle worse than lighter car....
It's only 200Kg of difference, that is let's say two passengers. Not much heavier .. however, nothing beats personal experience, why not go and try both?
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Old Nov 4, 2011 | 06:28 PM
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Originally Posted by Armadillo888
It's only 200Kg of difference, that is let's say two passengers. Not much heavier .. however, nothing beats personal experience, why not go and try both?
200kg that's 440lb. i think that's more than 2 passengers.

but yes, to me given the weight, i don't think it's making that much of a problem. to me the w221 rides more solid.
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Old Nov 6, 2011 | 02:46 AM
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Originally Posted by rominl
200kg that's 440lb. i think that's more than 2 passengers.

but yes, to me given the weight, i don't think it's making that much of a problem. to me the w221 rides more solid.
Yes it is more solid and handles a tad better than 220 as I found out today when taking my 07 550 home from dealer
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Old Nov 27, 2011 | 06:04 PM
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Originally Posted by QuadBenz
It depends on whether you're comparing ABC vs Airmatic. I can't be of much help as my W220 has Airmatic while my W221 had ABC, however, my W221 did seem to feel lighter and a bit smaller than it really was. The W220 doesn't have the same effect, IMO.
You went from 221 to 220?
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Old Nov 27, 2011 | 07:00 PM
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Originally Posted by LandSeaAir
You went from 221 to 220?
No. Had both at the same time. 220 was a purchase whereas we leased the 221. After the 221's lease was up I replaced it with something non-MB
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