Most of our discussion seems to focus on 0-60 times or 1/4 mile.

But which car is capable of putting in the fastest lap times at say the local track. Mine is Sears Point Raceway, with Laguna Seca a close second. I'd like to think my car, a 500E, would win, but I'd bet its the lighter C. What do you all say?

The C's are definitely agile...and with very good brakes (likely superior to the binders on our 500s, not that I'm complaining!) so it depends on whether either track favors a top-end car...if either has significant straights then the 500E would pick up some time. The E55's got huge brakes too, and is lighter than our cars so I'd think we might be looking at taillights...

Sounds like the seed for the next "Running of the Benzes"!

I have over 2K track miles run my 500E on several tracks with comparisons to many types of cars. I am confident that the 500E when properly tuned for track use is the quickest car around a race track. The 600SL brakes and wide tires are an impressive combination. I have mine lowered with high neg camber alignment and register .95+ cornering. It takes a modified C4/5 Corvette, a TT Porsche, or a Viper to post better lap times. All other street cars are pretty much toast on the faster tracks. I have never had a direct comparison against the newer Lambos or Ferraris with experienced drivers, but they are also probably faster, but not by alot. The auto trans is the only real handicap on most tracks. 500E's are very fast cars on a track.

I think when comparing the cars, we need to compare them stock with no mods. This would be the only way to answer the question accurately. Then, when we're done bench racing, get 'em onto a track and check it out for verification purposes . The drivers knowledge of the track is important, so we would need to swap cars to compare lap times for each one.
While top end speed is important (my ZR-1 can blow past lots of machinery on the straight) it's not the only factor. An M3 can stay right behind me on the twisties because of its superior braking and handling. I'm not sure with of the 3 have better brakes, but this lets you go deeper into the turns. Tires/pressure are a key factor also that effect handling.
Just my $.02. Now, lets go to pit row!
Gary

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http://clubs.snap.com/mercedesbenze55registry/index.lhtml
00 AMG E55
96 DCM Impala SS
94 ZR-1
81 Corvette Cpe

The C's big advantage would be braking and tight corners (auto-x). (SL600 derived front brakes or pure AMG ware and 3400lb curb weight) Anything with long straights, high speed sweepers, etc and the bigger displacement 500E/E55's would be favored. If all cars are on OEM rubber then the 500E's would be seriously handicapped. If the 500E's were running the "Limited" size of 245/45/17 then things might be different. As they say, "The BS stops when the green flag drops" but the 500E's seem to have an almost magical ability to overachieve. Driver skill/experience is also SOOOO much of a factor it alone could negate any difference between cars. One thing is certain, I doubt ANY of the models would disgrace themselves out there.

Just my pair of cents...Lee