CLK cab 350 or 500

[x332race]

We are trying to decide between a 350 (272bhp) and a 500 (306 bhp) CLK cab, both early 2005 models, about same price and roughly same spec.

Which one to go for? 500 slightly more powerful but thirstier (but then cost of petrol not a huge issue as company pays (at present!))

 

[BTB 500]

The bigger engine is going to be less stressed and probably not much thirstier (unless you use the extra power ).

 

[x332race]

Mmmm thought that might be the answer, but 350 engine is pretty big and is unlikely to have been stressed either....Both have similar bhp outputs and performance is not a million miles apart as far as I can see.....it will be replacing our current car which is a W208 CLk320 cab....

 

[BaldGuy]

500 all day..... That V8 sound is addictive

 

[BenzedUP]

Go for the new 350 V6 so nice i've driven a 350 coupe so nice and fast and better on mpg than the 5liter V8 in the 500.

Also the new 3.5 V6 sounds really good. Get one with an AMG body kit which comes with the AMG exhuast

 

[Adam230K]

500 all day long.

 

[x332race]

500 seems to be winning at the moment....not too worried about fuel consumption....just which will be best to drive.....have test driven several CLK 350's and those felt really smooth and fast compared to our CLK320.....but then test drove an SL 500 (in a moment of madness) and that was sensational!!

 

[Mudster]

I didn't realise there was so little difference in power between these motors.

Is it case of new genearation 350 vs old generation 500 engines?

I assume all new 500's are 5.5 litre and therefore 100 hp or so different? In which case at this age of car the 350 actually looks like the better car.

 

[BaldGuy]

Where are you in the country X? You could try mine if you like...

 

[Mudster]

This looks nice

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/MERCEDES-CLK-500-SPORT-CONVERTIBLE-AMG-KIT-2005_W0QQitemZ130301849383QQcmdZViewItemQQptZAutomobiles_UK?hash=item130301849383&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2|65%3A7|39%3A1|240%3A1318

So does this..big mileage difference though:-

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/MERCEDES-CLK-...3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66:2|65:7|39:1|240:1308

 

[x332race]

CLK 500 cab.

Up to 1st June 306bhp

1 Jun 2005 -31 May 2006 301bhp

1 June 2006 - now 382 bhp (5.5 litre)

(source Parkers facts & figures)

Really has to be pre 2006 unless we are prepared to be clobbered each year progressively on road tax thanks to this government's "green" policies!

Thanks for offer of drive Baldguy, but am in UK near Aylesbury

 

[Londonscottish]

I assume all new 500's are 5.5 litre and therefore 100 hp or so different? In which case at this age of car the 350 actually looks like the better car.

Yeah what I was thinking

The 5.5 in the facelift E class, for example, is 386bhp.

 

[ackee911]

V8 all day long!

 

[stevesey]

What are the torque figures for the V6 and V8 like - given the small different in power outputs I'd assume the V8 is less highly tuned and has more torque, a flatter torque curve and possibly higher gearing to go with it.

 

[BTB 500]

Try a 500 and see what you think.

I've had (and liked) petrol V6s in the past, but a 5 litre V8 is something special

 

[wemorgan]

Like Mudster, I'd go for the new gen V6. I imagine it will also be 50kg lighter than the old V8, so may handle slightly better. But best drive both to satisfy your own mind.

 

[x332race]

What are the torque figures for the V6 and V8 like - given the small different in power outputs I'd assume the V8 is less highly tuned and has more torque, a flatter torque curve and possibly higher gearing to go with it.

350 272 Bhp 350nm torque
500 306 Bhp 460nm torque

V8 500 has 30% more torque than V6 350

 

[raymont]

I'd go for the 500.

As others have said, it's not about power it's about torque.

The 500's extra torque will give significantly better real world performance with impressive relaxed acceleration that can be nearly equalled by the smaller engine but only if you are willing to use the revs to achieve it.

 

[st4]

350 272 Bhp 350nm torque
500 306 Bhp 460nm torque

V8 500 has 30% more torque than V6 350

A noticeable amnt but not massive as the V8 will weigh more.

A 350 will counter this with a better handling balance.

Drive the both, but I'd weigh in with the 6 cylinder car being the better car.

Could your budget stretch to a CLK55 with is a different package altogether and a notch above the 350's and 500's.

 

[BTB 500]

Most people wouldn't be able to detect any difference due to the lower weight of the V6 (do you think your car handles differently with a full tank compared to an empty one?).

30% more torque will be much more noticeable IMO