C 36 or C43? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

BauhnBuster · #1 05-13-2003, 06:53 PM

Hello Benz owners. I currently drive a Grand National but with my new business, I want to step into a Mercedes Benz. I love the AMG cars and the C 36 and C 43 stand out for me. The E55 is out of my range right now but the C 32 is a contender. I have searched this forum and the net about these cars and I find it tough to believe that the C 43 performs almost identical to the C 36 (1997). In many cases, the critics really bash the C 43 for it's lackluster performance. I find this hard to believe that a car which is lighter and has more more power perform the same. Any testimonials about each. I personally like them both but up here in Canada, there is a 1997 C 36 with 67,000km's and a 1999 C 43 with 60,000 km's for the same price of $42,000 Canadian. Any help would be great. Cheers!

Shaun

Denlasoul · #2 05-13-2003, 07:03 PM

Unmodified and head to head, the C43 is the more powerful car. They produce relatively similar numbers, but the C43 has a slight edge. It is very easy to mod a C36 to perform like a C43, but the C43 can also be modded and run closer to an E55. Personally, I have never ran against a C36, but I figure it would be fairly close.

I would suggest testing both cars and see which one you prefer. Also, if you look for a C36 get a 97 because they have the 5 speed tranny as opposed to the 4 speed in the previous years. I favor the C43 because of the V8, nothing like the roar when you punch the accelerator!

Good luck

Daesun · #3 05-13-2003, 08:14 PM

First of all, kudos on your current car. The Grand National always appealed to me, for some of the same reasons that my E500 does. Great sleeper, and a true enthusiast's vehicle.

In your shoes, I would opt for the C43. I think it was bashed by critics because they expected it to absolutely blow the C36 away, but it is by no means a disappointment. In a straight line, I'd put my money on the V8. Also, it's easier to squeeze more ponies out of the relatively stock V8 than the highly tuned I6. A lot of ppl do prefer the C36, however, so you should listen to both sides and see which position you sympathize more with. The two cars are pretty closely matched, so it often comes down to subjective preference rather than objective numbers.

BauhnBuster · #4 05-13-2003, 08:33 PM

Great feedback guys! I guess I should drive them both to find out. I did take a 1997 C 36 for a boot but did not drive it hard. I remember a post on this board about someone taking 2 of the 4 cats of a C 43 and waking the car up a bunch. A Kleeman supercharger on the C 43 would be a nice upgrade down the road. Boy did that C 36 feel tight though

Shaun

Cannoli · #5 05-13-2003, 08:41 PM

I second Daesun's comment, congrats on the Grand National ... I hope you are keeping it.

I would select the C36.

The W202 C36 is the first (at least in the States) vehicle that AMG tuned as a MBZ in-house tuner. To me, that has pedigree, just like the GN and like the W124 500E500. Yes, the C43 has more power/torque but also weights more too. It may be quicker but I don't think it is as tuned as the C36. I've heard from many that the real thing going for the C43 is the V8 ... basically MBZ took the powerplant from the E430 (and maybe the S430 as well) and shoved it into the W202 C-Class.

I'm sure others will chime in soon ...

Denlasoul · #6 05-13-2003, 09:16 PM

Yes, I agree that the C36 is a pedigree car, but only the 97 C36 is slightly lighter than the C43. The inline six they used was quite heavy. Look at the curb weights of some of the I6 C280's. The C43 block is all alloy, much lighter than the I6. The C43 engine came form the E and CLK V8's.

Both cars perform on the same level. Most complaints about the C36 is that people who dont have the 5 speed really wish they did. Bottom line, it's all about preference. Either car is a champ.

Come down to Seattle, I'll let you drive my car

E DREAM · #7 05-13-2003, 09:16 PM

I would take the C36 and put twin turbos on it with a nitrous bottle in der boot. That'll knock yer sox off !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

c43amg · #8 05-13-2003, 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Norman Anthony
Yes, the C43 has more power/torque but also weights more too.

Actually, at 3,448 pounds, the C43 is over 100 pounds lighter than the C36 at 3,550 pounds. C43 has 302HP and 302 Ft/Lb vs the C36's 276HP and 284Ft/Lb. M-B says 5.9 sec 0-60 for the C43 and 6.2 for the C36 -- a noticeable margin in a 0-60.

See: http://www.mbusa.com/brand/container.jsp?/overview/overview_engine.jsp&yearModelCode=98_C43&class=98_C&rnav=012345678&subNav=overview&menu=5_0&spec=2&category=4 and http://www.mbusa.com/brand/container.jsp?/overview/overview_engine.jsp&yearModelCode=97_C36&class=97_C&rnav=012345678&subNav=overview&menu=4_0&spec=2&category=4

BauhnBuster · #9 05-14-2003, 01:07 AM

Quote:

C43 has 302HP and 302 Ft/Lb vs the C36's 276HP and 284Ft/Lb. M-B says 5.9 sec 0-60 for the C43 and 6.2 for the C36 -- a noticeable margin in a 0-60.

I think Mercedes understates all their cars. I bet both can be driven well below these numbers. Any problems linked to them? I have heard about the head gaskets with the C36. This will be a tough descision

Thanks again everyone. Keep them coming.

Shaun

Denlasoul · #10 05-14-2003, 01:12 AM

I believe that headgaskets were a problem with most C's with the I6 based engine.

I have never timedmy car, but I would think that 5.9 is fairly accurate. Just depends on driver, conditions, etc etc.

Benzmac · #11 05-14-2003, 08:54 PM

From a tech. C43 hands down. This is a rock solid platform. Great engine and transmission combo.

You can install a supercharger and get over 400 RELIABLE Hp out of it.

No head gasket issues. Parts are readily available for the engine. Unlike the C36.

ke6dcj · #12 05-14-2003, 10:11 PM

If you don't mind revving your engine, and will shift the automatic, then get a C36.

If you like leaving it in "D"rive and don't really like to rev your engine, then get the C43. So much low-end torque, which IMHO is a better match for the automatics.

I REALLY want to install a 5 or 6-speed manual tranny in our C36-powered wagon . . .

:-) neil
1988 360TE AMG
1993 500E

rpm8100 · #13 05-15-2003, 12:29 AM

I own a 1995 C36 and overall it feels very solid. The problems common to these cars are head gasket, valve cover gasket, some electronic gremlins, and MAF sensor. I've read that some of the 5-speed trannies on the 1997 C36s and 1998+ C43s have problems. I love my C36, but if I had to choose between a C43 and C36 with the money not being a factor, I would definitely go with the C43. It's newer, has a better interior, and a V8!
Good luck and make sure to buy extended warranty.

akry · #14 05-21-2003, 04:19 AM

Definitely go with C43.... It's better equipped and of course, V8... Hehe... GN is such a nice car, too... So, keep that baby as well!!!

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