E500 vs C43...anyone?
 

Hey all:

I was just wondering if any of you E500/C43 owners have had the chance to race your cars up against the other.

Thanks,

DLS

No, but I'd really like to-think it'd be a close one!

It depends a lot on the skills of the driver. As you know, 1/4 mile ET has a lot to do with reaction time, minimize the spin of the wheels, manual shift point, etc. An experienced guy, will beat a faster car.;)

yes
 

I pulled on one (slightly), 2 years ago, on Bay/Embarcadero, the night before Thanksgiving. It was (light and) very quick, though.
I launched off the line, in anticipation of the race - otherwise, I think he would have left me (slightly) behind.

We were both going almost 75(+), but the SFPD motorcycle cop gave us both a *BREAK*! AMAZING!!! (My ONLY positive SFPD story, if I may add).

I have not had the chance to race my C43 against a 500E yet, but would love to!

I agree, I think the driver's skill would be determinative in such a race. The cars are very closely matched. I believe a C43 is a little quicker off the line, but over 90 mph, due to its larger displacement, the 500E should be able to out accelerate a C43.

A 2002 Corvette with a larger V8, took my 99 C43 at over 120 mph. But, between 60 mph and 90 mph I beat him every time.

Maybe some local NY/CT 500E owners would like to stage a gentleman's race. I'm 30 min. from NYC and 30 min. from Greenwhich.

We should throw a W211 E500 in the mix as well, as all three cars have almost identical performance. I agree with everyone's general opinion. The C43 (and new E500) would get the jump off the line, but the W124 would pull harder at higher speeds.

I rolled on against a Z-06 C5 Vette in our 'ol C36. That is one FAST car. He walked away from me, and made it look easy.

The W211 might do better at 100+ MPH than you think. It's aerodynamic advantage is significant at higher speeds. It'd be close, that's for sure. Now, throw an E55 Kompressor into the mix, and it's ov-vah.

Crap! My bad. I was referring to a C43 vs 500E (W124). I make the mistake of using 500E/E500 as the same. Actually, I have seen W124's also referred to as E500.

Nonetheless, I would agree with all of you. I would really like to go up against one sometime. Just wanna compare the two. Either way, it's a nice race.

Regards,

DLS

Even the N/A W210 E55 would walk all three (C43/500E/new E500). The new E55 is a beast in a league of its own. But back to the original comparison, all three cars are so close that it would probably come down to who put their foot down a half second faster.

All '94-95 500Es are rebadged as E500s. Confusing to say the least.

Man, I would not mess with a Z-06. A normal C5 is a tough enough competitor to begin with. Z-06 is a rocket.

I raced a 2000-2002 S55 for about 3/10th's of a mile. He couldnt get past my front wheel well. I know his car should pull on me, but that 1000 lbs difference really held him up that day. :)

walked away from a modified 5.7L Trans-Am in the 500E. we were going uphill at the time. hit the sweet spot at about 60 mph or so and easily left him behind.

had a pretty good run with a new WRX up the same hill a couple of days ago. he got the jump because he could shift over to an empty lane while i had to drop back to do so. Still managed to reel him in without too much trouble.

yhliem:

We (WA and BC) should set up a "race day" at the dragstrip. I think it would be alot of fun.

I'll post this in the other forums too. Maybe late spring?

DLS