Big jump? W210 E55 AMG & W211 E55AMG

[AnE2pleaz]

Is the new E55 AMG a big step from the older W210 E55AMG? Apart from supercharging etc, I heard from someone that the older E55 handles a bit better thant the new E55.

[R230]

I own both and prefer the W211.

Big jump in acceleration and better handling in my opinion.

The W210 however, seems to be slightly roomier in the back, for what is worth.

[Bill Bell]

I don't post much so please be tolerant.
I owned a 99 E55, a 00 E55 and now an 03 E55- strictly street driven - so that is my perspective.
There is little comparison between the cars - the W211 being much more sophisticated and comfortable. The W210 being almost no compromise/performance oriented (with normally aspirated limitations). When asked how they are different, I usually respond that the W210 was built by a race oriented tuner with a reluctant compromise attitude, and the W211 was built by a wholly owned subsidiary with an obvious respect for the character of the original vehicle, with the possible exception of power. The W211 can almost approach an S Class ride on a smooth road and firms up to somewhat less than the 210 in Sport Mode, where the 210 always beats you up like a go-cart because it lacks adjustment. The 211 isolates you more from the car's dynamics, but I feel that the 210 is probably somewhat faster through the various lateral G tests, but obviously not the straight ahead. I have reservations about the Conti Tires and the rear sizing to solve steering anomolies certainly punished hole shot traction. That said, the Pilot Sports mastered the concrete, but below 50% tread they were miserable to drive - get a 1000 watt radio! The Traction Control is much improved since it could not have gotten much more useless except by the inability to turn it completely OFF. I suspect the improvement is attributable to the faster computer bus speeds and the response time of the electronic brake system - yet the concept of applying the brakes to help the acceleration leaves me a little dubious. Give me a good traction balance differential anytime. If you like electronics, the 211 is SOOO much more sophisticated and almost impossible to work on. This is too long so I will close. If you have specific questions , I will respond to emails - albeit slowly.
Bill

[E V12 Nerd]

Thats a good interpretation, the 211 has a blower and an extra 120 hp, but the 210 is smaller and lighter(by 300lb), has wider rear tires, and thus probably handles better. just my idea.