TrueSpirit
Active Member
Yeah those exhaust slots really are puke inducing. Though this morning I saw something even worse, a Bentley bentayago (whatever it is called, SUV thing) with rectangle exhausts stuck on small round ones clearly visible and they shook as the car hit bumps
. Sort of looked like someone stuck tin foil extensions on a regular exhaust 
I guess emotion is a key word here but I'm thinking how much of it is based more on nostalgia and history than driving experience. I'd probably be happy to own a 204 but for one think the 204 is a bit sterile and lacking a bit of the drama behind the wheel (ignoring sound where it does rule , apart from the firecracker pops and bangs on the 205). It really feels tame, while good on corners, it isn't nearly as dynamic. The engine is amazingly precise but lacks that punch unless red lined where it shines . In a race car application, that sort of linear torque would be amazing it has to be said.The 205 model really is a step up and is what I call 'new' AMG, ie brilliant handling and driving dynamics, but also feels tuned and really dangerous, if you misbehave in a 205s you'll find skid marks on the asphalt and your y fronts. According to one AMG instructor, the 205 estate is as slidey and lively as they come. The 205 rewards precise inputs and gives a lot more enjoyment the more you drive, whereas the 204 is simple to drive and lacks the fear inducing excitement and engagement - to me that is the key. I had a 2018 pre facelift wagon but also played with the facelift at brooklands a couple of times , my word, that's a car and a half, you can calibrate how much slide and play you want which is fantastic for me personally plus updates all round make it an incredible piece of equipment. I actually found the 204 slightly more comfortable but it may be the bucket seats on the 205 that made it feel stiffer.
While tempted to get a facelift c once I got rid of my 205, I managed to find a w212 AMG s version and snapped it up. Variety being the spice of life. After 9k miles in the E, the 205 s is a crazier and wilder vehicle than the far more powerful e63 and has a higher thrill factor than even the 800+nm w212. Its now AMG have engineered the 205, it seems like it has been designed to scare the sh1t out of anyone who dares to mess with it and equally reward you if you push it, and thats why the 204 can never compete IMO. Its like AMG injected a huge dose of humour into it as all it wants to do is go sideways whenever possible and if you like that sort of thing, then this car is the gold standard because it also saves your bacon after giving u a heart attack whereas a BMW M4 would put me in a hedge if I messed with it in the same way.
it is now and i will report back after I collect it and drive it the 200 miles home 
