CLK 55 vs 911 S

[MBZman]

Hi everyone, In the first quarter of 2005 the lease on my CLK 320 is ending. I have narrowed my choice for my next car down to either a 2006 CLK 55 (I'll extend my lease a few months) or a 2005 Porsche 911 S. I have driven the 2004 Clk 55 as well as a 2004 911 coupe, but I have yet to drive the 2005 911 S which is supposedly much nicer/quicker. My question is what are your feelings towards both these cars? Is the Porsche really an everyday car? I've heard that over 100 mph, the Porsche starts to feel a bit "uncomfortable". I've always loved Porsches but I got the distinct feeling when I went to the dealer that they sell based on emotion. Thanks for your thoughts, Eric

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[Sleestack]

I haven't driven the 997, however, comparing the CLK to a 997 is really comparing apples to oranges. If you want a fast daily driver with luxury the CLK would be a good choice. It will be perfect for high speed dashes on the highway and capable when it comes to handling. The 997 is a true sports car. It will be fast and have exceptional handling on the road and on the track. I think it can be used as a daily driver, but, I also think a 575 Maranello or a Gallardo would make for a perfect daily driver.

[cntlaw]

Get the 997 !!
You have MUCH BETTER roads than we do here.
The CLK AMG suspension is still stiff

[Zlaatan]

If you don't have 3 or 4 people in the car all the time the 997 will be a perfect daily driver. My .2p

[AndyAMG]

CLK55 AMG is a more typical daily driving car. I drive it around everyday
and dont have any problems. The Porsche can be a bit stiffer but it depends on your conditions.

[theitalianjob]

997. Handles much better.

[cntlaw]

If cash flow is ok, I will be foolish if not to get the 2006 Carrea S (997). Not to say CLK is built based on C chasis, the direct competition with Porsche should be the SL55 not CLK55. Thus, CLK has no where near the 997 Porsche's flagship quality overall. I read an article about how amazing that Porsche engineers using sophisticated computers in an acoustic free room to record and fine-tune the sound of the new 997 engine just to please the human hearing. The article also said the interior design of the 997 is the best ever appeared in its kind! You and your friends will probably find the CLK interior is just 'common' comparing with the 997.

cnt

[sorlo]

I love both cars but if I have the $, I would go for the 997. It has better handling and it's more exclusive. Just my $.02

[BenzoBoi]

2 people or less...997. 3 or more people CLK...

[AznxKCBoy]

go with the 997!

[MBZman]

Hey guys, thanks for all of your responses. Over the Labor Day weekend I went and checked out the 911 (996, they didn't have a 997) and CLK 55. Once I set my eyes on the 911 I realized why I didn't buy the car a year ago, no disrespect to the 911 it's a great car but it's not for me. I won't get into details but I guess I'm just not a Porsche guy. On the other hand, I took one look at the CLK 55 (the dealer had one that was to my exact specifications/color) and knew it was the car for me, driving it was the icing on the cake. When I do buy my next car it will most likely be a CLK, unless I sneak into an SL55 .

Oh, and Sorlo the 911 is in no way more exclusive than a CLK around where I live. Everyone and their mother has a 911, they're like Toyota Camry's in that respect.

[smoothdaddy]

I am sorry to disagree with most here, the porsche is a loud loud car. Yes, I agree it handles well, but quality of ride and loudness makes it poor daily driver. I had a 997tt 2001 when they first came out. All of the magazines reported this car as a super car for daily use. I bought tt for me and and a regular 997 2001 for one of my key employees. Both of us were crazy about the performance, but after a while we thought the car road hard and was loud. We could not use our cell phones at speed and I had the hands free system installed by porsche that could only be used while I was stopped. People on the other end of the phone heard to much background noise. I got rid of the car and bought an 2004 sl 600 renntech. This car rides much better although it wouldn't out handle the porsche at the track( Who cares, I am never there) but sound and ride quality makes this car very livable everyday. Performance in a straight line blows the tt in the weeds.( I could drive this car every day, but I don't) Go with the mercedes you will not feel like you made a bad choice. Having 90% of the performance but 200% better ride and sound insulation makes it a clear winner!

Good luck,

Smooth

[smoothdaddy]

sorry, I had a 996tt not 997.



Smooth

[MBZman]

Smooth, I agree with you 100%, after a couple of extended drives in the 996 I just can not see driving this car on a regular basis, although it is a sweat little sports car.

[Jon200]

In your particular situation, i would go for the CLK55 the 997 is a good car but unless you drive in a way that fully exploits the chasis and handling of the 997, the CLK55 makes a better daily driver

my 2 c

[Brav]

The 2 cars arent that comparable, besides the fact they are coupes. too big of a jump. And the SL is a wose comparisson, as it almost weighs 4000 lbs. Its a pig.. in which case it comes down to what kind of car you want.

Not sure why you are asking the question, they are very different cars and its pretty clear what each car was designed for. Depends on what YOU are looking for as a daily driver, not us

[kimchiFLAVA]

Totally different cars really depends on what you want in degrees of style , performance and comfort.

I just test drove the 997 and i must say that car is not only a looker its really has power to boot and real sport car handling. The interior is astonishing(i never use that word.) For me i would pick the 997S any day over the CLK55.
But then again im 24 years old and im asian so a car like that really suits me.

As for test driving the 996 dont bother your comparing the 997S with the clk55 right? Then why you testing the 996?!??!

Anyways proboly gonna put down a deposit for one of these babies this week:

Black on Black, Manual, Bi-Xenon, Sport Chrono Package, and Sport Seats keep it basic since im am going over my $100,000(canadian) car fund limit already as is Any other options you people reccomend?

[deedee545i]

If I had the money, I'll get both for sure!!! CLK55 is indeed a very nice high speed cruiser as always!! stable, comfortable,especailly after facelift, it becomes more appealling. But 997 is definitely a better sports car and its unique Porsche feel can please you every time you touch it..... 997 C2S is very very fast and its real performance will surprise you. Go take a test drive and you'll love it!!

[clk55fan]

Consider:


What type of roads you drive on in your state.
Distance you drive everyday.
Do you have a lot of winding roads...get the porsche.
More straight highways...get the clk
Your cash flow.
Your age.
Your marital status.
Single....girls like the porsche marque.
Married....you are more mature and stable and don't need to
impress.
Are you planning to personalize it then look at what there are out
there in the aftermarket and whether you like what you see for each
of the vehicles.
Bottomline....the driving ergonomics for you and which one
you would enjoy driving everyday.

At the end of the day....these 2 cars are great choices.
I would LOVE to have YOUR problem/dilema.

Enjoy your choice.

[Gabri343]

[cntlaw]

Huh....the AMG egine is great...but......I still insist that CLK is built based on C Class; cannot 'replace' the status and image of being an owner of a brand new(of course) 997 if that is what one cares about. Whether a Porsche is less practical than a CLK as a day2day car, that really depends on individual's situation. 997 is definitely not a car which your kids or mother-in-law would want to stay in the back seats for more than half and hour. The mid engine design means the back seats could get very hot in the Summer :p

[Chappy]

In your shoes, I would consider a 2001-2002 CL55...power AND prestige

[Hussain]

I was actually pondering the same cars when I was shopping in June of 2003. I went with the Carrera (996 at the time). Drive both, I wonder why the CLK isnt faster. Carrera is a daily driver. I put 15,000 miles on my Carrera in 7 months before getting nailed at a red light and totalling the car. One of the cars I really miss, it is a TRUE sports car. Everyone says uncomfortable this and that but I never felt it. Then again, Im only 20.

[groundfighter]

I had a 996 and a 996 TT both were excellent daily drivers, easy entry and exit, plenty of room and very civilized for a sports car, in some ways I felt it was too civilized and lacked the roguishness of previous years.

Can't go wrong with either choice I think it has to be a personal preference.

[Hussain]

Originally Posted by groundfighter

I had a 996 and a 996 TT both were excellent daily drivers, easy entry and exit, plenty of room and very civilized for a sports car, in some ways I felt it was too civilized and lacked the roguishness of previous years.

Can't go wrong with either choice I think it has to be a personal preference.

DITTO. Well said.