Mercedes-Benz Forum banner

Mercedes C320 vs. C32 AMG

11413 Views 17 Replies 1 Participant Last post by  Guest (MBNZ)
New to this forum and would appreciate some help. Seriously considering one of these two cars and would appreciate the feedback of experts on this forum as to the differences and whether the extra investment for the 32 is worth it. Thx. <br>
1 - 18 of 18 Posts
A C32 has 349hp and a C320 has 215hp.<br> A C32 has a 0-60 of 5.1sec and a C320 has a 0-60 of 7.2sec.<br> A C32 has way better cornering. It can overtake a Boxter S or a NSX in a breeze.<br> A C32 is tuned by AMG while a C320 is just another mass production MB.<br> A C32 can go nose to nose with a M3.<br> I just traded a CLK430 with a C32.<br> Judge yrself!
Re: Re: Mercedes C320 vs. C32 AMG

See link and learn
Re: Re: Re: Mercedes C320 vs. C32 AMG

Another viewpoint is:<br> <br> - Do you race M3s and other 'street race cars' on a daily bases?<br> - Do you really need excessive speed and acceleration - in a sedan?<br> - Do you like the harsh ride of a go-cart - or do you enjoy crusing?<br> <br> Well, let me explain why I decided to buy a C320 (and am happy with it) and not a C32:<br> <br> - First of all, I don't like the Alu Quadra design (therefore from a design stand point, the only 'acceptable' model was 'Elegance', as 'Classic' is too low level and 'Avantgarde' or the C32 have the Alu design.<br> <br> - I don't like the 2 tone leather sports seats of the C32.<br> <br> - For the price of a C32 you get a C320 with ALL options that you choose (a C32 has just a given set of options) - and of course, you can then add to that ...<br> - Still for the price of a C32 you can tune your C320 design wise or suspension wise in order to get the driving feeling you like (again choosing individually and not taking a 'package').<br> <br> - In my opinion a C320 (in fact any C-Class) is more a 'comfortable car' than a 'race car'. If I was looking for something on the very sporty side, I wouldn't have gone for it at all - there are better choices for that out there (Mercedes and others).<br> <br> - Personally I have an old Ferrari for thar 'racing feeling' and believe me, even so a C32 is faster, the feeling in the Ferrari is much better (in fact completely different) - and my C320 is my day to day 'family car' (for a small family) and fo that, it has enough power and is sporty enough (after the few modifications I did). <br> <br> - My C320 (including all options and aftermarket tuning items) costed me roughly 5'000 $ more than a 'standard' C32 would have been. A friend bought one almost at the same time and we have beem testing each others car. I don't regret my decision at all, he claims he doesn't, but he admits that my car is nicer (interior details and exterior) and more individual, while his has more power (that you don't notice in day to day traffic), better cornering (in extreme situations that you only have on race tracks, but again, not in day to day traffic) and more prestige (because it's an AMG) ...<br> <br> After all, it's really what you expect from a car. Of course the C32 is 'better', but it's also more expensive and there are many options on the market to get something in between of a C320 and a C32 (also price wise).
See less See more
Re: Re: Mercedes C320 vs. C32 AMG

A stated previously, my most recent 6 speed/290 HP NSX routinely ran 0-60 and 1/4 mile time of 4.6-4.7 and 13.1-13.2 seconds respectfully. These figures are not unusual; check the posted ET slips on NSX Prime to confirm this. I spent considerable track time with car as well.<br> Sorry, but my C-32-wonderful though it may be-is simply no match for the NSX. It is neither as fast in a straight line, nor can it begin to compare as a track car. Frankly, I believe the suspension tuning is too soft to track the C-32. <br> The C-32 MAY be faster in a straight line than the 5 speed/270 HP early NSXs. The latter is capable of 1/4 mile runs of 13.7-13.8 seconds. To suggest the C-32 can pass the NSX 'in a breeze' is untrue and untenable.
To exNSXer

Firstly, when I was passing the NSX last time, I cannot tell whether that was a 1992 270hp NSX or a 1999 290hp NSX. We were sort of racing, I don't have time to examine which yr was that NSX made from.I can only recognized that it was a NSX!<br> Secondly, NSX was meant to be a Ferrari or Porsche competitor when it first came out. It IS supposed to be a track car. It is so obvious that it has nicer & tighter cornering than a C32. A C32 has NEVER meant to be a track car, sorry! If a C32 can 'out-corner' a NSX, u can dump the NSX into the junk yard! Its unfair to put a C32 under track car's catagory.<br> Thirdly, it has a lot to do with who is driving the C32!!! Driver is always a big factor! A good driver can always fully utilize his car's maximum performance. Check the Autoclass site where they can have a C32 going from 0-60 in 4.5secs!!! What did u say the 290hp NSX can run??? 4.6 or 4.7??? If u're so facinate about yr ex-NSX, why don't u trade yr C32 with another NSX again? Hahaha!<br> Afterall, I am only giving my personal experience as to whether Greg should buy a C320 or a C32. Not whether he should buy a NSX or a C32!<br> <br>
See less See more
Re: To exNSXer

YOU were the one who compared a C-32 with an NSX. You were the one who made a false, misleading and absurd statement ('The C-32 can pass an NSX in a breeze'). I merely wished to inject reason, logic and truth by attempting to show this was not likely either in a straight line or on a road/track course. <br> The C-32 is NOT a 4.5 second 0-60 car (4.9-5.0 is more like it). The NSX is a 4.6-4.7 second 0-60 car. A .3 second differential to 60 mph represents 26.4 feet-a significant amount. The NSX is capable of 13.1-13.2 seconds in the 1/4 mile (@ 108-109 mph); I believe the C-32 will be capable of mid-13's @ 105 mph--again, a significant difference. So, if the C-32 is not capable of keeping up with an NSX in traditional acceleration runs and, as YOU stated, the C-32 should not be compared to the NSX as a track car, then just where will a C-32 pass an NSX 'in a breeze'? While the driver is all-important in such matters, you failed to mention same when making your initial, blanket statement.<br> And what does 'sort of racing' mean? Likely nothing. Why don't you log-on to NSX Prime and arrange to matchrace NSXers residing in your area? When you get blown away 'in a breeze', then come tell us.<br> Finally, your sophomoric suggestion that I ought to reaquire an NSX is so patently moronic that it speaks for itself; it does not deserve a response. Hardeeharhar to you, Bub!
See less See more
Re: To exNSXer

YOU were the one who compared a C-32 with an NSX. You were the one who made a false, misleading and absurd statement ('The C-32 can pass an NSX in a breeze'). I merely wished to inject reason, logic and truth by attempting to show this was not likely either in a straight line or on a road/track course. <br> The C-32 is NOT a 4.5 second 0-60 car (4.9-5.0 is more like it). The NSX is a 4.6-4.7 second 0-60 car. A .3 second differential to 60 mph represents 26.4 feet-a significant amount. The NSX is capable of 13.1-13.2 seconds in the 1/4 mile (@ 108-109 mph); I believe the C-32 will be capable of mid-13's @ 105 mph--again, a significant difference. So, if the C-32 is not capable of keeping up with an NSX in traditional acceleration runs and, as YOU stated, the C-32 should not be compared to the NSX as a track car, then just where will a C-32 pass an NSX 'in a breeze'? While the driver is all-important in such matters, you failed to mention same when making your initial, blanket statement.<br> And what does 'sort of racing' mean? Likely nothing. Why don't you log-on to NSX Prime and arrange to matchrace NSXers residing in your area? When you get blown away 'in a breeze', then come tell us.<br> Finally, your sophomoric suggestion that I ought to reaquire an NSX is so patently moronic that it speaks for itself; it does not deserve a response. Hardeeharhar to you, Bub!
See less See more
Re: To exNSXer

YOU were the one who compared a C-32 with an NSX. You were the one who made a false, misleading and absurd statement ('The C-32 can pass an NSX in a breeze'). I merely wished to inject reason, logic and truth by attempting to show this was not likely either in a straight line or on a road/track course. <br> The C-32 is NOT a 4.5 second 0-60 car (4.9-5.0 is more like it). The NSX is a 4.6-4.7 second 0-60 car. A .3 second differential to 60 mph represents 26.4 feet-a significant amount. The NSX is capable of 13.1-13.2 seconds in the 1/4 mile (@ 108-109 mph); I believe the C-32 will be capable of mid-13's @ 105 mph--again, a significant difference. So, if the C-32 is not capable of keeping up with an NSX in traditional acceleration runs and, as YOU stated, the C-32 should not be compared to the NSX as a track car, then just where will a C-32 pass an NSX 'in a breeze'? While the driver is all-important in such matters, you failed to mention same when making your initial, blanket statement.<br> And what does 'sort of racing' mean? Likely nothing. Why don't you log-on to NSX Prime and arrange to matchrace NSXers residing in your area? When you get blown away 'in a breeze', then come tell us.<br> Finally, your sophomoric suggestion that I ought to reaquire an NSX is so patently moronic that it speaks for itself; it does not deserve a response. Hardeeharhar to you, Bub!
See less See more
Re: Re: To exNSXer

I think the reason why u sound so furious is because I've insulted a NSX. I don't think that I've made a misleading statement. I DID whipped through a NSX in a breeze. Are u jealous that u cant do the same driving an exact same car as mine? Is it possible that the NSX that I whipped by was indeed an early model NSX? If thats the case, will I be able to pass it 'in a breeze'? Mr!<br> The guy was cruising at 50km in front of me, I overtook him and he started accelerating, I ended up being in front of him. What does that tell u?<br> It'll only be a waste of time and get myself downgraded to have this kind of continuous arguement with u. The bottom line is I have a C32 & I am happy with it. Thats all I am going to say. Go spend yr time trying to figure out how u can beat a NSX with a C32 if u dont have that skill. If u think a NSX can blow away a C32, good for u, thank u for yr valuable info! I've learned a good lesson, are u happy now? Kiddo!
  • Like
Reactions: 1
Re: NSX=Snooze

Oh God, not the NSX talk again. The NSX is old. The NSX is anchient. The NSX is prehistoric. Why would anyone buy one of these things, their day in the sun died about a decade ago. I know they've made improvements to this torqueless beast but it's still the same old tired car that never could compete with real supercars of the day. The C32 is now. The NSX is an old goat that should have been sent to the glue factory five years ago. No offense, I'm sure you loved your car. For me, it's not even a consideration or something that should share the same sentence with the word 'AMG'.
  • Like
Reactions: 1
Morons:) Did you know that C180 is able to pass Pinto? ;-)))
Re: Re: NSX=Snooze

AGREE to the power n!
We are fortunate to own both. My wife has the C320 and loves it. It has a creamy smooth shifting transmission, quiet engine with a pleasant, but subdued growl on acceleration, velvety ride, and modest cornering grip with stock tires. (We added Borbet Hs with 225/50/16 Yoko Avid Vs, which are a fabulous appearance and performance upgrade with no ride deterioration). Day in and day out, this is a wonderfully refined, relaxing, and fascinating car, with an ideal blend of luxury and sportiness.<br> I drive the C32 which has a comparatively abrupt shifting transmission with very direct gear changes, an exhaust that is close to the legal noise emission limit, a comfortable but firm ride, high cornering grip, and potentially huge acceleration with massive torque at any rpm. This one forces your driving involvement, because you can hear and feel the mechanicals. It performs to sports car levels, yet still has the luxury layer of the C class. I tend to remember special driving moments with the C32, but do not with the C320.<br> To me these two cars are quite different from each other, directed to different kinds of drivers. The C320 buyer might not like the driving involvement offered by the C32. The C32 buyer might want more sporting edge than the C320 can provide.
See less See more
'Morons' is right!

HT, what may I ask, is your point? It seems to me from your posts that all you want to say is that how you are such a good driver in your C32 and how everyone who drives a NSX should bow down before you and your mastery of your car. Even if everything you said was true, how do we know the guy in the NSX was 'sorta racing' with you too? Maybe he doesn't want a ticket. Maybe he let you pass so he could get a good look at your beautiful car? And maybe you ARE a better driver than he was. But who gives you the right to claim that you will be faster than ANY other NSX (regardless of model)? <br> 'It can overtake a Boxter S or a NSX in a breeze.'<br> Ok fine, the fact that you did ONCE means you can always do it?<br> <br> Ok, my turn. 'I was driving my Pinto to the market when I passed a Ferrari who i was sorta racing (i think). Therefore, my Pinto can overtake a Ferrari in a breeze--ALWAYS!'<br> <br> <br> <br> <br>
Be practical, If you want a race car buy a race car!

Both the nsx and the c32 are nothing compared what a classic muscle car can do. I blew the doors of both with my 69 boss 429 mustang(950 hp). NO RICE GRINDER CAN GRIND THAT MUCH RICE! If you want a real fast car 1/4 in -8 secs and to be able to drive on the road, you got to go for a classic to pass emissions. Theres more that can be done to them and it costs a lot less. <br> <br> When it comes to buying a new car, buy it for comfort, looks etc. Thats why I bought the c240 to drive everyday. Saved $ and now I have both, race car and nice lux car for less than the price of both c32 and nsx. <p>
I had a C320 for a year then went to the C32<br> it's a BEAST ! All I can say is that the C32<br> is a different car. It handles with confidence<br> unlike a C320, on top of that the interior <br> leather is far superior as well as the seats. <br> If you drive fast go for a C32 if you just want<br> a cruiser a C320. On the other hand the C32 on<br> a highway is smoother, lower revving and in<br> general inspires way more confidence. But the<br> largest difference in feel is the gear ratio's ! <br> The C32 is way better ratio'd it gives you a <br> smoother ride in general. If you can afford it<br> I would HIGHLY recommend the C32 ! <p>
1 - 18 of 18 Posts
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top