1997 C36 vs 1997 C280 Sport; differences
 

Does a 1997 C36 have a different ECU than a 1997 C280 Sport?
I would think so, but want to confirm.
Does 1997 C36 have a different transmission that a 1997 C280 Sport?

Was hoping to put a c36 engine in a C280 to make a clone.

The ECU on both is a ME 2.0 / ME 2.1 but of a different calibration.

The C36 trans has a different gear ratio set than the C280 sport / non sport. Given the C36 has more power, it does not need such deep gear ratios and uses ratio from the V8 cars. This means that the trans controller has a different calibration as well.

I'm not sure if the rear ratio is different between the C280 and C36.