Performance Review: Mercedes C Class 55 AMG - [2004]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Mercedes C Class Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Mercedes C Class 55 AMG is the 5 speed / Auto version and was first brought out in 2004. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 2005 Bugatti Veyron 8.0 litre W16 and the 2005 SSC Aero SC 8T 6.3L.This particular Mercedes C Class has a 5439cc Naturally Aspirated Petrol powerplant with 8 cylinders in a V formation.

Alternative Petrol V8's includes the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170

The C Class shares its Petrol V8 engine configuration with the likes of the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 and the 2023 Ferrari SF 90 XX Spider 4.0 V8 Turbo. If you're looking for other fast cars which share the C Class's Rear Wheel Drive, Saloon combination then how about the 1982 Fiat X1/9 1.5 8V or the 1965 Aston-Martin DB6 1965.

Power and Weight:

Weighing in at 1635 kgs (3604 lbs) this makes the Mercedes C Class 55 AMG in the same weight category as the 2022 BMW Z4 M40i 3.0 Turbo or the give or take 50kg.

The Mercedes C Class shares the same bhp with the 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray 6.2 V8 Petrol Hybrid C8 (369 bhp)

In terms of power the 5439cc 24V V8 engine produces 367 bhp (273 kW) @ 5250 rpm similar to the 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray 6.2 V8 Petrol Hybrid C8 (369 bhp) or the 2023 Porsche Cayenne Coupe 3.0 V6 Turbo (348 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated V8 throws out 376 lb-ft (509.7 Nm) @ 4000 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 2024 Mazda CX-90 S 3.3 Turbo (369 lb-ft) or the 2023 Porsche Cayenne Coupe 3.0 V6 Turbo (369 lb-ft).

Power to Weight:

If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Mercedes C Class you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

The 2014 Porsche Boxster GTS (249.0 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Mercedes C Class.

The Mercedes C Class has a Power to weight ratio of 224.4 bhp per ton and 229.9 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 2004 C Class competing with the 2014 Porsche Boxster GTS (249.0 bhp per ton) or the 1995 Caterham Super 7 1.6 16v (249.0 bhp per ton).

Power to Weight(cont.):

If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance, Torque. Use weight as well and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Mercedes C Class generating around 229.9 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other cars have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 2014 Audi A6 RS6 Avant 4.0 Turbo (254.8 lb-ft per ton) or the 2013 BMW 3 Series M3 F80 (254.5 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 5.20 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 5.4 secs, this made the Mercedes C Class 55 AMG as fast as the 2021 Honda Civic Type R 2.0 16V Limited Edition (5.20 secs) the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E AWD (5.20 secs) the 2018 Tesla Model 3 Mid Range (5.20 secs) the or the 2018 Bentley Bentayga Hybrid 3.0 V6 Turbo (5.20 secs). This Mercedes C Class 55 AMG is also faster than the 2019 Renault Megane RS 1.8 Turbo 300 Trophy-R (5.30 secs) the 2019 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus (5.30 secs) the 2017 Mercedes G Class 63 AMG (5.30 secs) the and the 2017 Land-Rover Velar 3.0 V6 Supercharged 360 (5.30 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the C Class and the 1993 Toyota Supra 3.0 Turbo Auto

When talking about the performance of the Mercedes C Class on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 13.59 secs @ 100.7 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 1993 Toyota Supra 3.0 Turbo Auto (13.53 secs), the 2016 BMW Z4 sDrive35is (13.53 secs), and the 2022 Mini Cooper Clubman John Cooper Works 2.0 Turbo ALL4 (13.53 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 2004 version of the Mercedes C Class 55 AMG has a maximum speed of 155mph.

Top Speed of the 2004 C Class equals the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse 5.0 V8 (166 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 2004 Mercedes C Class 55 AMG then how about the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse 5.0 V8 (166 mph), the 2022 Ford Mustang GT 5.0 V8 (166 mph), or the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 5.0 V8 (166 mph).

Related Links:

2004 C Class Rivals List.

A Brief History of Mercedes

Car Comparison