Anyone know the disadvantages and advantages
of E430 and E420?
which one is better?
Thanks again!!

Donny,
I assume you are talking about the 97 only W210 E420 vs the 98-present E430. The primary difference is the engine. While rated power stays the same the "butt dyno" tells a different story. The E430's *see MSshop review for in-depth technical specifics* V8 has a simpler valvetrain so the engine is smaller and easier to package. The smaller overall size combined with lightweight materials throughout makes the engine weigh significantly less. As I said, the output numbers stay the same but you get a flattened torque curve so there is more "right now" power. The combination of less curb weight and a flatter torque curve makes for better performance. Mercedes chose to vastly improve the "power-per-gallon" ratio. Highway mileage is about 10%-15% better. With highway mileage near 30mph and a 20+ gallon tank, range can test almost any human bladder. The E430's engine also makes less emissions than its M119 predecessor. Expect a .3-.5 second improvement 0-60 and about the same in the 1/4. Some say the E420 is more tuneable than the E430. I do know that you can easily supercharge the E430 but can't do the same to the E420. There is existing software tuning for the M119 4.2 V8 but not as much developed for the 4.3 mill. In my driving experience of the DOHC and the new 3-valve SOHC engines I have found that the 3-valvers have better thottle response and bottom-end torque characteristics. However, the DOHC engines feel stronger once they are "up on their cams". The top-end power of the DOHC engines is still superior to the new 3-valve SOHC family. Last time I raced a 98 E430 with my 93 400E (same M119 4.2 engine as the W210 E420) it was a seesaw battle up to the E430's speed limiter. Of course the E430 had shorter gearing, a far superior transmission, etc. Off the line the E430 took the lead, by about 60 we were equal, then went back and forth within a car length of one another to the E430's artificial limiter. Of course at the time the E430 only had about 8-10K miles on the engine so it may not of been packing its full punch. My 400E was well broken in and runs VERY strong for its breed bone stock. (repeatedly timed 6.4 secs 0-60) Also I noticed that the E430 has a more V8-ish sounding exhaust note. Whether the variable intake system or free breathing exhaust is the culprit I'm not sure. All the 4.2 DOHC engines I have driven sounded somewhat strangled. The E430 lets you hear a bit more of the engine. Oddly isolates with more steering and brake boost at the same time. Of course the 500E's sound like the beasts they are, but that is a different story...

Hope this helps...Lee

Well,
Thanks a lot Lee
Now then I understand what the differences between those two cars.