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Comparing the C32 & C55

Although similar in appearance, the C32 and C55 have some notable differences. Since the C55 was introduced last, we'll concentrate on the changes from the C32.

The most obvious difference is the engine. The C55 has a naturally aspirated 5.4L SOHC V8. The C32 is powered by a supercharged 3.2L SOHC V6. The North American spec V8 is rated at 367 horsepower and 376 pound-feet of torque. The V8 is more powerful, as the C32 is rated at 349 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. Some may assume V8 to be heavier. That is correct. A fully assembled 5.5 liter M113 V8 weighs 368 pounds. The supercharged V6 weighs 344 pounds. A 55 weighs a lot more than a standard 3.2 liter M112, but the AMG V6 has the additional weight of the supercharger, intercooler, supercharger cooling pump and a number of other parts that go into the supercharger package.

The C55 transmission was modified. The C32 has two modes, "S" and "W" - standard and winter. The C55 has an additional mode, "M", which is manual. In "M" mode, the transmission will not up shift. The driver can bounce the engine off the rev limiter, and it will stay in gear. When in "M" mode, the transmission won't downshift when the throttle is floored. On the C55, the steering wheel has shift buttons. In 2007, those buttons were replaced with paddles. Both the C32 and C55 transmissions are equipped with SpeedShift. SpeedShift transmissions shift 35 percent faster than and have much stronger internals than the standard Mercedes-Benz transmissions.

Outwardly, there are differences as well. Many people note the C55's 18-inch wheels, versus the C32's 17's. A closer look will reveal the C55 also has different sheet metal. The fender flares that cover the C55's bigger wheels are 7mm wider, and the front track is ½ inch wider. The hood, inner fenders, front bumper, front spoiler, and headlamps are all CLK parts. The rear bumper is different in that it has cutouts for the four-pipe exhaust. The C55 trunk has a rear spoiler. The spoiler reduces lift by 30% and generates 31 pounds of down force at 122 MPH. Overall, the C55 is a slightly longer and wider vehicle.

C32	C55

The C55 interior is quite a bit different that the C32. The C55 was introduced in 2004, and has the 2005 model year facelift that all W203's received. The instrument clusters are very different. The C55 has 4 circular gauges, while the C32 has a single semicircular speedometer with a TFT screen in the center, flanked on either side with one-third circle gauges. The C55 steering wheel is a three-spoke design, while the C32 has a four-spoke. The door mounted window switches are different. As are the upper buttons on the center console. The switchgear on the COMAND unit are different, as is the entire HVAC unit, and the shift knob. The dashboard, center console, and door panels all have different materials, and the seats were redesigned.

The C55 drives a little different. The variable rate power steering system has been modified, resulting in a 7% quicker steering ratio. The front spring rates were increased and dampers were revalved to match. Lastly, the ABS, ASR, ESP, and brake assist were all upgraded.

C32	C55

C32	C55

© 2009 Marcus Blair Fitzhugh

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