C43 vs c32

[Jukie]

I would probably agree that the W202 feels better built compared to a W203, but the 202 is now circa 20 year old and was originally designed when the purse strings a were little looser than with the 203.

I'm not terribly nostalgic about the Mercedes of old when it comes to owning one; I absolutely love the look of a Pagoda but to drive they are not very nice when compared to its younger cousins and that's not a dig, it's just a fact; the W123 that I bought was a very special car but in reality it was pretty slow and floaty.

Having said that, not everyone thinks the same as me and I'm sure there are plenty of people out there that are more than happy with their old Mercedes.

With regards speed, the C43 isn't in the same league I'm afraid; the C32 just pulls all the way through the rev range like it's possessed and I intend to test them side-by-side to see what the actual results of a race are; the '32 feels at least a second quicker to 60. A lot of that may be down to how the power is delivered, the 203 is like a rabid dog straining at its leash and you can only drive it one of two ways; really slow or really quick. The 202 on the other hand is a lot more genteel in its road manner, you definitely get a sense of the Mercedes of a bygone era when tootling around in that. The 203 certainly feels sharper if you try and throw it about.


I'd have to agree wholeheartedly with you there Will, I probably prefer the lazier nature of a N/A V8 as opposed to a supercharged V6, so I dare say that when these two go a W203 C55 (estate if I can find one) will be top of the list.

Not quite a W203 estate but....

1998 MERCEDES C43 CONVERSION TO A C55 AMG AUTO SILVER WITH STAINLESS HEADERS | eBay

 

[Deleted member 37751]

I think quite a few of us here would make the same choice.

But how many C43 owners have owned a C32, that's sort of my point; the V8 '43 should be a no brainer but the '32 feels that much quicker that I don't think it can be ruled out...

 

[BlackC55]

C32 is not a patch on build quality of a 43.

 

[BenzedUP]

I love my 32, it's faster than 55 N/A and as you say feels lighter on its feel and has better reaction.

But now most 32,s are tired as they are run on a tight budget.

 

[BenzedUP]

But how many C43 owners have owned a C32, that's sort of my point; the V8 '43 should be a no brainer but the '32 feels that much quicker that I don't think it can be ruled out...

I think when it comes to speed the 32 will make the 43 like an ordinary car.

 

[R120]

It's the sound - drop the hammer in a tunnel and you won't give a damn if its slower!

 

[Deleted member 37751]

It's the sound - drop the hammer in a tunnel and you won't give a damn if its slower!

If no-one snaps up the C32, I'll keep it and be making it a little more vocal...

 

[SavMan]

Not quite a W203 estate but....

1998 MERCEDES C43 CONVERSION TO A C55 AMG AUTO SILVER WITH STAINLESS HEADERS | eBay

I have seen that car before I am sure but can't think where

 

[BenzedUP]

It's the sound - drop the hammer in a tunnel and you won't give a damn if its slower!

Trust me, the 32 isn't that bad either, no V8 but different sound!

The EC map and pulley has made mine sound louder and nicer.

 

[BenzedUP]

C32 is not a patch on build quality of a 43.

202 is a 2 star safety rating while the 203 is a 5 star

I think if you look after them well then they will be good, I had 3 and never had any big issues.

 

[Neiltodd]

Pretty happy with my c32,safety is important as well as speed