Take a look at this link: http://cl500.homestead.com/files/index.htm

Which do you think is the better car. Of course the obvious is that the W215 is sleeker, but there is something to be said for that mechanical wonder and glorious materials used in the W140 coupe.

I have always loved W140 coupe. I think I still have to get use to the CLK looking W215 upgrade ;)

CL...
 

Well, I do love my CL, but I have to say, I do miss the presence of the old W140 Coupe and Sedan. Those cars made a statement. Though I am not overly concerned, nobody notices my CL. :-)

But the materials used in the W140 were wonderful. I do think that MB will do better with the new models and when they freshen the S-Class, you will see better materials used. I think it was probably fine for folks new to Mercedes, but those of us who have been loyal to the marque with the older models, and know what it should look like, feel like and smell like were disappointed.

Both C215 and C140 have their own rights. It really hard to pick between the 2, but if I really have to go, I would pick CL55 AMG(nothing else), or CL600(C140, nothing else)...

Personally I like the DOHC version of V8/V12 better. But 5.5L V8 is just as wonder!! :cool:

Andy Kuo

The 140 C600 is the best car Benz ever made. At the inaugural Cart race at Michigan, Dan Gurney was lapping with a passenger at 145-150 one handed and waving with the other. On the straights he would kick it up in the 160+ range. It sounded FABULOUS. Gurney commented that it was by far the fastest big car that he had ever driven. It was not stock --- full AMG kit with the 7.4 L motor and full exhaust kit. I would like to see that matched up against today's F1 safety car.

The materials of construction and the execution of design were the best. The new car is good but has anyone else noticed that there is no longer a little sticker on the new "S" cars that says "das beste oder nichts"(Karl Benz' motto). Now it's more like "what ever the people want at a price point". That's what happens when accountants rather than engineers manage a car company.

It will be interesting when US courts uphold the three valve head patent and MB has to start paying royalties and possibly a penalty on all cars sold with the new motors. The accountants will be displaced by the lawyers. Then we'll really see some great cars. Ford has already accepted that the patent is valid and has agreed to future royalty payments.

I wondered whatever happened with the engine design patent issue. Isn't this the same guy who invented the Oldsmobile Quad 4 engine? I read a long time ago the Mercedes basically blew the guy off when he asked for royalties.