Handling question.... - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

BauhnBuster · #1 07-13-2003, 03:11 PM

Hey guys and gals! I am looking into a C36, C43, or C32 AMG this coming Fall or maybe late Winter. I have a question regarding the handling of all these cars. Are they pretty much the same? All have the same size tires but the C36 and C43 are slightly longer right? Any comparison's done on this or any other site? I have read a bit that the C43 is a little better than the C36 but that seems odd. I know the C36 is slightly heavier so is this the difference. What about the C32 AMG? My Grand National is going up for sale this week so I may know sooner. As far as straight line acceleration, the C32 is the most comparable to the GN so I am leaning towards this car but I do like the others as well. I am looking for an all around great car with 4 doors, not just an 80's GM that is a bullit in the quarter.

Shaun

Cannoli · #2 07-13-2003, 04:16 PM

Shaun:

We've got a tough choice ... I6, V8 or S/C V6 ... but the question you asked was regarding the handling between the three.

Regarding the W202 cars, the C36 'feels or handles' better than the C43 (based on posts on this forum) ... the C36 was AMG's first model sold under the ownership (partial at that time I believe) of Mercedes Benz. It is more 'tuned' than the C43. The C43 is basically 'just' a V8 (sourced from the parts bin - no special tuning) shoe-horned into the engine bay ... very 'non-descript' in my opinion. You need to test drive these two ... within the same (or short) time period as well.

Now the W203 C32 is completely different from the W202 chassis cars. I recently read a review in Motor Trend comparing the C32 and the 2004 Audi S4 with AWD. The Audi has All Wheel Drive which resulted with a higher Slalom speed of 68.0 vs. 67.3 for the C32 ... not bad for the C32 with only rear wheel drive. Both cars are pushing 340 HP min. Both had excellant brake results ... both stopped 60 - 0 mph in 117 feet ... very good numbers.

Based on this review as well as other reviews, I'd wink towards the W203 C32 vs. the W202 cars.

Now, you didn't mention any other decision criteria ... present value, maintenance costs, resale value, pedigree, HP/Torque/Acceleration/Braking, etc ... and don't forget insurance!

So, get going, and start test driving these cars!

BauhnBuster · #3 07-13-2003, 04:36 PM

Thank you Norman for taking the time to reply to my long and probably done (a million times) post. You are right that I have to drive each one but finding them on the lot together is another story

I am gearing towards the 1997 C36 or the C32. I will keep everyone posted. Cheers!

Shaun

yhliem · #4 07-13-2003, 06:42 PM

if you're looking for exclusivity, forget them all and go for a W124 500E

that having been said, i would have to agree with norman on all points. the addition of other criteria will certainly change the results.

Personally I'd go for the C36 first. Simply because I have first refusal on one owned by a family friend should they ever decide to sell. the C43 doesn't really interest me much at all and i like the C36 aerodynamics package better.

as for the C32, i MIGHT consider getting one in a few years when they start hitting the secondary market with reasonable prices. however forced induction is not particularly attractive to me and, I prefer the smoothness of a straight six. if i want a car to be rough and raspy, i'll drive my 2.3-16.

if i were in a position to buy a car right this minute, i'd opt for the 190E 2.5-16 EvoI and EvoII simply because of the rarity of the cars.

-fad · #5 07-15-2003, 10:19 AM

Ans to Handling Question:

C32

-fad

blando · #6 07-21-2003, 05:13 PM

... if you can afford any of the 3.

If you need more justification, just google search for C32 and read the reviews and experiences.

Also, check out the C32 forum on www.mbworld.com and the general forum at www.c32life.com.

Good luck.

omegabenz · #7 07-22-2003, 10:02 PM

Well is money an Issue?

C36 is less than 20k USD
C43 is about 35k USD
C32 is 55k USD I believe

I am not sure which models are available in canada, but I really liked the Brabus W203 Diesel.

A C43 is the same engine as the E430, but it has hot-cams, not just a shoehorned engine. Actually in my opinion it is nothing close to being shoehorned, it actually fits quite nicely. A real shoehorn job is 500E or AMG HAMMER w124 with 6.0L DOHC M117.

I would try to get the newest AMG model you can afford. List what is the most important. In the Star magazine for mercedes owners about a year ago, last summer, there was a compairison of all C class AMG models, and the C32 has the most horsepower for the buck. I think the C32 looks the nicest, but I want a C43 with either an E55 motor or the kleeman kompressor that mercedes shop owners can put on.

Tump · #8 07-22-2003, 11:47 PM

I agree with Omegabenz. My C43 is a great car. The engine is incredible -- a lot of low end torque, great highway cruiser and even a back road burner, but always very comfortable. The only real performance mod I performed to the car was lowering it about 1.5 inches with H&R sport springs -- these springs improved the ride and the handling dramatically. (H&R's are stock on a 911 I believe). The progressive H&R's complement the car nicely and smooth it out at low speeds on less than perfect roads. At max speeds the car is always as smooth as glass.

I really want to have a Kleemann installed -- that will give the car about all the power it could handle: 450 hp and 0-60 in about 5 sec's; quarter miles in the mid to high 13's.

I envy your dilema.

omegabenz · #9 07-23-2003, 12:55 AM

I was in a C55 in germany, what a great little car. It is so sporty. In the US, it would be very difficult to find a C43, and an E55 engine and put it together. The engine conversion I think would be about 20k USD. Donnie from here on mercedesshop, the owner, can do a kleemann kompressor and get about 500 hpr. Even with 450 I think the 1/4 mile would be in the low 12s, and 0-60 in 4 or so.

Stiffer lowering springs on a c43 would be a great way to make it handle better. Maybe renntech makes a sway bar or something. I know someone has been asking the about the C w202 sway bars for a long time now. Im not sure the verdict.

ke6dcj · #10 07-23-2003, 06:28 PM

I think you will find the C32 and C36 the better handling cars.

The 1997 C36 is more desirable since it has the electronic 5-speed with 3.07 diff, rather than the 4-speed hydraullic autobox with a 2.87 diff.

:-) neil
1988 360TE AMG
1993 500E