bzliteyear

Drove by an Acura dealer yday who had a 2005 CL600 w/ only 29k miles, asking $33k. The car was very clean and had AMG wheels, but closer look revealed that it didn't have AMG/sports package. The sales guy was nice and actually encouraged me to take a long test-drive home to show my wife and kids(does that sales tactic work?), so I had a chance to REALLY see how it drove compared with my 2002 non-S/C S55.

First, it's a really nice drive. Not sure if it's due to coupe structure or 3 yrs newer/80k fewer miles, but the car felt much more solid than my S55. Less small creaks compared with mine, especially over crappy roads in my neighborhood. The steering was very solid and it was firm w/o being stiff...probably the best GT money could buy that I can think of.

Also, the inside was very well made, the way my $110k MSRP S55 should have been(but wasn't unless you paid $10k and got Designo package)...I really like the full leather doors/dash/suede-like ceiling material(vs. cloth in mine).

Lastly, the engine was super smooth...similar to my old 1993 SL600 but even better...and when the twin turbo kicked in, it was a SCARY FUN ride...though not so enjoyable for my wife.

Bottom line, even though it was a decent price, the back seats were just too tiny. My 5 and 7 yr olds WOULD NOT be comfortable back there, let alone any adults. I can't imagine going from the BEST back seats of any sedan in the world(I have reclining heat/cooling seats) and swapping into 2 tiny seats.

P.S. Although I thought CL would be sportier, my wife actually said that it looked like an OLD MAN'S CAR...more than an S55. Perhaps it was the Pewter color!?!
Patrick

canes85

Missing the AMG package really hurts the look any CL. I was interested in that car and it not having the AMG package killed it for me. Also I checked the VMI and it was in need some service that was declined by the ACURA dealer once they took it in for inspection. I don't have the specifics of what is needed for repair.

I actually like the Pewter color. I both a Pewter/Ash 2006 CL55AMG last week.

bzliteyear

Congrats on the CL55...I saw your posting. Does it drive very differently than the CL600?
Also, you looked at CL600 from across country? That's brave...I once bought a Porsche from Atlanta and it was NOT as nice as the pix indicated.
Where did you end up buying CL55? I think I may still need 4 door...where shall I look for S600?
Patrick

rondocap

Hey, I have an 01 S55 too - so how did the performance/power compare to your S55? Was it noticeably faster and more powerful? The S55 definitely has that aggressive sound and "jump", is the CL much smoother?

bzliteyear

Btw, the CL600 already sold over the wknd...so I guess somebody thought it was a good deal. After reviewing more pix, I think I'd go with AMG pkg for sure...and probably would have to do 4 door as the CL's not practical for getting in/out.

As to your question, I think the S55 actually has decent torque for everyday driving, but CL600 felt sportier but more due to coupe design than engine. You're also correct on the sound. Although V12TT is way faster, the roar of the V8 still sounds quite nice. Nicely, as much as I love the smoothness and the power, for my daily drives I really won't be able to appreciate it much.

Overall, given that I may risk myself to potential ABC and other V12TT issues, I'm mostly going to stay put for a while longer. These cars not getting cheaper, so perhaps I can hold out for 2008 S63 or S600 in a few yrs. Although I prefer the W220 body shape, the W221 driving chassis/dynamics are MUCH more advanced and I could notice the differences even in everyday driving.

Patrick

Polar Bear

Not sure if I have been in a cave or not, but that sounds like a great price on that car.

canes85

Prestige MB is where i got my CL55. I bought if for my wife believe or not she doesn't like it. She says its WAAAY to agressive for her. She's use to the S600 smooth power. The AMG ride is much more preformance oriented versus the smoothness of the V12. Both are very nice just different. Wifey is gone to Miami for the week & I think we'll be back in the market for CL600 very soon (I THINK??). The toughest part is just finding a 2006 CL600 and to top it off I also only want it with the AMG package, also most aftermarket companies has stopped writing service contracts on the 600's & any AMG cars. Easy Care will still do it but they want a whopping $500.00 deductable.

To me the 55's are more fun to drive but the 600 is faster at least until you get to 130 mph (limiter), then the 55 will eat it up with it higher limiter of 155 mph.

I got my CL55 up to 149 last night but I had to back off as cars were coming up real FAST!!

Where did you buy the Porsche from?
I just sold my 2005 S600 last week. Their a 2006 S600 for sale locally with AMG Sports Package at a Malone's Automotive. It been for sale for quite a few months have inspected locally and make them an offer. I'm not affillated with Malone's Automotive at all!!!!!!!!

rondocap

I drive an S55 everyday - usually about 200 miles a day because I need to go see clients and give estimates. The torque is great fun, but sometimes I switch it to "winter" mode so it starts in 2nd gear. Or else I'm accelerating at every stop! haha - I can imagine that a 600 will be smoother for someone who wants to just drive normally, but if you want to go a little crazy..the 55's torque (especially the supercharged ones) delivers a good punch and is more aggressive.