CLK280 or CLK320 - does it matter?

[finisterre]

We are thinking about buying a CLK cabriolet. The Audi was good and the Saab was too but the CLK was slightly swisher and we fancy a bit of swish.

It seems the 280 has power higher up the revs and a 7 speed auto. The 320 has more torque lower mpg and a 5 speed auto. We tried a 320 and it was very relaxing driving. Liked it.

Does anyone have experience of driving them both and is the torque loss worth the mpg gain and does the 7 speed auto make up for it?

Thoughts welcome.

Thank you.

 

[tpwuk]

W209 Cab? Meh! Get a W208 Cab with a huge stonking V8 in it....it's the nuts!!

 

[finisterre]

It is your fault we even know about them, have some mercy.
I did look at yours again this evening, it still looks lovely. But it is still much too thirsty for a day to day car.

 

[BlackC55]

Not much different to a 320 engine in reality

 

[finisterre]

I am thinking 280.
But might stretch to a 320 for a more relaxed drive.

 

[tpwuk]

Not much different to a 320 engine in reality

This is true.

 

[st4]

320. Better gearbox.

 

[T7RY B]

I love the V8 but if you are not convinced then go for the 320

Terry

 

[finisterre]

I would like to be able to afford to use the car as well as park it outside. If we wrote to the Chancellor do you think he could see his way to a V8 fuel tax discount?

 

[AMGBlack]

lol. I have been lucky to have had 2 x 320's (albeit both in E Class) and compared to my mates 280 I find the engine (as you have already said) more torgue and better MPG.
I would go for the 320 imo .. coupled with the 5 speed box its not always fighting to work out which gear it wants .. smoother as you say.

Thats my two pennies worth.
(oh and had a CLK55 AMG Conv). . if you can mate, it was by far the best of any car I have had for ride and all around fun (inc 4 seats) . . and that includes my current Black series .. but thats another story!

 

[BaldGuy]

What he said...... but then I would say that......

 

[clk270]

Back in 2003 i test drove a W209 CLK320 petrol and on the test drive got 22mpg without pushing it and thought it not very spirited in performance. I opted for a 270cdi based on the my previous experience of the same engine int he C class saloon. Same real world (or better?) performance than the 320 petrol i test drove, with 60% more mpg.

Was a great cruising car, but not sporty enough for me (despite sports suspensiona nd big wheels), so it lasted all of 5 months with me.

 

[Dinnie]

But the 320 is only available as pre-face lift on the W209?
I think I'd stick the the face lifted version