ItalianStallion

I know this has probably been debated in the past but...

What is the difference in performance of E55 vs CLS55?

Are there are any 1/4 mile times of E55's vs CLS55's or are the CLS's just always slower? And how much slower are they really?

Also, modded E55's vs. modded CLS55, do mods make same power on both cars?

What is the fastest non-NOS 1/4 mile times for a stock E55 and CLS55 and modded E55 and modded CLS55?

Thank you for your time.

Fikse

engine potential is the same.... same motor.... performancewise, the CLS is 200 pounds heavier.... so it will be a little slower...

Ted Baldwin

...........you are correct, but the CLS seems like it is quite slower and does not respond to mods as well. I know it makes no sense, but I don't think I've ever heard of a CLS55 modded or not that has broken into the 11's.

Ted

KamzAmg

correct me if i am wrong but doesnt cls55 come with a launch control?
someone who owns one told me.
But i raced one twice... both times it was the e55 ahead by half a car til end of 2nd gear.

-K

Kens-E55

Not only is the car a little heavier, but we need to also be aware the Cd. drag coefficient of the CLS is .04 higher! (E55-.27 // CLS-.31) which means that given the same parameters...it will require another 40'ish Hp to give the same 1/4mi. performance.

Rule of thumb: 10hp for every .01 Cd. to match same performance
The aero-dynamics of the E55 is far better @slicing the wind in triple digits.

The combo of the 2 factors (weight and Cd.) there is no way the CLS will match the performance of the E given the same motor. It's still a GREAT looking car though!!!

mclarenm8d

I believe the CLS55 tires are taller and the wheel/tire package is heavier stock. That, plus the weight increase, would put it's performance somewhere between the E55 and my CL55 IMO (the CL55 being a few tenth clicks slower than an E55, all things else equal).

ItalianStallion

Wow, so it seems like there is a pretty big difference in speed. Looks like you'd have to give it the CLS a pulley and ECU just to match the E55. This is kind of upsetting news for me because I like smaller sportier cars and even though I love the E55, it just seems too big and too average of a car. I like flashier cars. Unfortunately, the only coupe MB has with the V8 kompressor is the CL and that is too heavy for me and just doesn't have the sporting capabilities I like (though a CL600 RennTech would probably do the trick). I really like the CLS55 but the difference in performance would be enough to make me think twice.

Thanks for the comments!

vixapphire

the CLS looks smaller (and more aerodynamic, ironically), but it feels like a big-perimeter car once you're behind the wheel. The E has lower shoulders/bigger greenhouse, which makes it feel a little tighter from the driving position. that's my impression, fwiw.