E500 vs C43...anyone? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Denlasoul · #1 03-12-2003, 08:23 PM

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

Michael · #2 03-13-2003, 07:33 AM

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

Flash Gordon · #3 03-17-2003, 03:44 PM

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.

run.exe · #4 03-17-2003, 05:05 PM

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).

Tump · #5 03-17-2003, 05:44 PM

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.

Daesun · #6 03-17-2003, 06:46 PM

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.

blackmercedes · #7 03-18-2003, 12:47 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Tump
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.

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.

blackmercedes · #8 03-18-2003, 12:49 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Daesun
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.

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.

Denlasoul · #9 03-18-2003, 01:06 AM

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

Daesun · #10 03-18-2003, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by blackmercedes
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.

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.

Daesun · #11 03-18-2003, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Denlasoul
Actually, I have seen W124's also referred to as E500.

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

Daesun · #12 03-18-2003, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by blackmercedes
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.

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.

Denlasoul · #13 03-18-2003, 06:53 PM

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.

yhliem · #14 03-19-2003, 02:36 PM

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.

Denlasoul · #15 03-19-2003, 03:13 PM

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