The original(1st generation W208) Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class didn't drive as nicely as the current one. Power wasn't the issue, as all CLKs of this generation were fine performers. In reviews at the time, we took issue with the transmission, which often second-guessed the driver's intentions and delivered badly timed shifts. In addition, the brake pedal was on the spongy side, and the CLK's old-fashioned recirculating-ball steering setup was numb and heavy. On the highway, the car always felt solid and composed, however. Actual braking distances were excellent, too. Besides that, the CLK55 AMG coupe was then the quickest production Benz in history, hitting 60 mph in 5 seconds flat.
Our gripes on the inside concerned the lack of a tilt steering wheel, limited rear-seat headroom and the complexity of many of the controls. CLK Cabriolets suffered from cramped rear legroom, mediocre rear visibility and a power top that wasn't fully automatic (all of which were improved on the second-generation CLK).
In general, we still think the BMW 3 Series coupes and convertibles of the time were more rewarding cars to drive, not to mention less expensive. Still, if we were buying a CLK, our choice would be either the CLK320 or the CLK430. The Mercedes-Benz CLK55 AMG, as fast as it was, didn't offer a big enough performance enhancement to justify its price hike.
I recently purchased a 2002 CLK 320 Coupe because I found one with low miles. I had the opportunity to buy the 03 version for a thousand more but I didn't like the body style.
I feel like the styling and lines of the w208 are head-turning classic Mercedes design. The long slooping hood with the cut-out channels for the headlights are all a work of art. Then add in the rear body lines, trim accents and old school hood ornament and you have one beautiful automobile on your hands.
I compared both of them side by side in the showroom - each with about 30-33k miles on them and I jumped all over the w208. I knew the the 03' had the new gauges and updated stereo and steering, but it just didn't have the same soul IMHO.
My point is that these two cars are drastically different and it's all up to opinion. Just because some stroke from edmunds likes the w209 better doesn't make the body redesign any more appealing. Plus this dude/chick loves the BMW 3 series and states that it was a better car for this time. With that statement the reviewer loses all credibility in my book.
Yeh agreed body styling is why ppl are choosing older W208 over newer W209. I don't think this review is bad at all, in fact, it mentions W208 as being a solid performer.
What can I say, the w208 makes you look good, and it's definitely a masculine car. The w209, yea, sure it's nice. The review failed to mention that a vagina and breasts come standard with all trims.
That's ok, because you can fix that. Personally, after I got my w208 I automatically found myself with pecs the size of montana, arms the size of texas, and well....something else the size of california, notice I didn't say florida, because my junk isn't bent.
(I know california is mildly bent, but just ignore that. thnx.)
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