Hi all.
i recently drove a '99 CLK430.
i know MB says in all their literature that it is 6.1 sec 0-60 mph, however when i drove it, it felt a LOT LOT faster. More like 5.7 or 5.6 sec.

does anyone have experience with this? anyone know any actual numbers?

i would guess that MB uses conservative stats to keep things ok with the USA govt standards.

also, i want to know if a CLK430 can take on a new Porsche 911 Carrera.

take care all and thanks in advance for the responses

Although seat of the pants feel is related to 0-60 times, it does not always correlate perfectly. One car that is a second slower may feel faster. I can't explain exactly why this is, but I know it's true. There could be a multitude of factors that would contribute.

My $0.02,

I think a well broken in CLK430 will do 0-60 in 5.7 seconds. The CLK430 weighs 3,323 wich isn't a lot. It can't compete with a 6-speed Porsche 911, but can probably keep up with a automatic (tiptronic) 911.

well, i finally bought the car i test drove. 1999 CLK430. LOADED. Silver on Charcoal.

what you guys say makes sense.
Perceived feel and actual numbers should be understood.
5.7 sec. seems more realistic though it still feels faster. I have a 1995 C36. All performance stats say that it does 0-60 in 5.8 sec. I tell you, this CLK430 feels A LOT LOT LOT faster. i was pulling out of a toll booth and before i know it, it was at 60!! i drove a 2000 Corvette Convertible and let me tell you, this CLK430 feels faster and not surprisingly, more solid.

I would rather have this CLK430 any day of the week over a Porsche 911 carrera. First of all, i get more looks, 2nd, way more comfortable and 3rd, the V8 is 10x more smooth than the porsche's annoying raspy mid-engine Six cylinder.

I am just wondering how fast the CLK55 is if the CLK430 already feels like a monster to me.

thanks...

Congrats on your purchase, altough I would not agree with you that porsche's flat six is annoying. I would think that the CLK55 (broken in of course) will go 0-60 in 4.6 seconds.

I'm not sure if the MB quoted numbers are on vehicles tested with with low mileage or broken-in. I can tell you this from personal experience. These car get FASTER as they break in. When I got my E55, it was fast, but it couldn't break the tires loose. In that respect, I was disappointed, cause I like to melt em up every once in a while. Anyway, with 2 oil changes (none FSS required, BTW) and 10,000 miles on the clock I would guess the engine is just breaking in. Now, with ESP off, those bad boys smoke up a storm! YIPEE! The car is MUCH faster now that when I got it last year. I'm a happy camper. Er, uh Michael, bring BLITZEN on by when Englishtown reopens...we're ready for ya now! :D
Gary

Gary,

So, ya wanna dance, eh? Round 2 I hope will be more competitive (Gauntlet thrown) :D :D

See you in the spring my friend...anyone else?

Could be the 2nd Annual Running of the Benzes if no one else puts together anything in the interim :cool:

thanks! so far, i love the car. the best thing i ever drove and i drove a lot of things including the 911 Carrera which was too cramped. i could actually fit 4 people relatively comfy for a coup.

ok..ok..
the porsche 911 carrera flat 6 is not annoying but i just prefer the rumble of a V8...

i guess i wonder what my CLK430 would do after i get some more break in miles. i only have 8500 miles right now.

also, why did MB make this car have a 2.87 Diff? they should've given it a 3.07 diff like the CLK320.

well, i still like to believe that the CLK430 is definitely a sub-6 sec 0-60. the 2001 camaro SS is 5.5 sec in 6 spd stick. i would like to believe i can blow that car away!!

:)

Just tell me when and where....by the spring my 55 will be nicely broken in....already it will smoke my 265 Pilot Sports without working up a sweat :D