Whether this interior comparison is an "analogy," "insult," or "direct," I see all of your perspectives and all of you are correct. Let's leave it at that as the focus of the entire thread has boiled down to a few words regarding "Hyundai-like."

Now, switchgear comparable to a Hyundai is still extreme and there aren't that many $25K Hyundais being sold. It's still a valid point that the switchgear is definitely not any better (worse in most cases) than say, a $25K Honda Accord, Nissan Maxima/Altima or Mercedes C230, Nissan 350Z, etc. Actually, Hyundai is fast catching up on quality, fit and finish according to most of the JD Powers surveys to be on par with their asian automotive competitors.

I still remember those hollow, plastic-molded switchgear on the pre-1999 corvettes that were literally the same switchgear as GM's own Chevy Cavalier. Amazingly bad. Now that was much worse than the typical GM m.o. of being cheap with bad design during that decade. Porsches were always far from that mediocre level of quality.

 

I can't believe that the CGT has so much plastic. The full leather on my GT2 is much higher quality. The full leather does make a big difference especially when it has all of the other leather add ons.

 

I just got it Saturday so this morning was my first real on the job test and it was great. I really like it so far.

 

yeap Code Red, like what others have pointed out, the full leather option or std in any 911 makes all of the difference. I just wish the switchgear, center console styling and ergonomics were better thought-out. These are just details overall but that's what makes the difference between high quality and mediocrity.

 

Full leather is a must on the 996 I had my 03 with that option and it made a big difference....but all in all the 996 did have a cheap looking interior after all the AC/fan control unit was from aN Audi.... then again all the Gallardo interior is pure Audi....

 

Hey 05997S just wondering how the C55 is treating you, I am having a blast I just passed 750 miles and the engine is getting looser by the day this thing is a true beast, it brakes great handles well and is fast as ****! A real deal for 56k and nicer then any M3 the only comp is the S4 and I like the looks of the C55 better!!!!

 

I just passed 1000 miles last night. I am very happy with the car its an extremely good fit for my needs. I still think in the back of my mind that I'd like to have a 997, and I hope that fire continues to burn.

The C55 has been awesome. I drove for about a half of an hour last night in the M mode trying to figure that out. I am very happy with the way the car downshifts as you slow and I have been working on braking hard getting the timing of the downshift right and rocketing out of corners. This car has thrust! The engineers have done a great job in setting up the transmission. I am also very surprised at how good the brakes are, much better than I had anticipated. My sole complaint is that I wish I could hear the exhaust note better while driving. It has gotten a bit louder since it was new but I am thinking seriously of some kind of cat back if for no other reason than to hear the motor.

Its very comfortable and quiet, lots of good content, the leather is butter smooth, its the best I've seen/felt in a car, my wife is bitter that its nicer than her 745Li. I got the Poplar designo wood which has grown on me, I hardwired a V1 and an iPod which incidentally sounds better than the CD changer. I could go on. Glad to hear you are enjoying yours, come over to mbworld.org and post in the c32/c55 forum if you get a chance.

Here is a pic. I had it tinted yesterday, the pic is sans tint.

 

What is your name on MBworld? I have been over there looking around it is a nice forum.

I am at 750miles and am getting aggressive on the car, is the "M" mode just like driving the car with the sport mode and shifting yourself?

I agree the leather is really nice, even my 2003 Carrera which had full leather does not compare Porsche's leather has never been nice at all IMO!

I agree about the exhaust however I have a friend who has had 4 AMG cars and he tells me at about 3k the exhaust starts to get much better however if you find a soltuion that maintains the stock tips let me know.

I will post some pics here tonight of mine I need to sign up at MB WORLD!

I would still like a GT3 one day but that would be it.

See you on MBWORLD!

 

My username on MBworld is surprisingly 05C55. I am poking around the exhaust issue and I will definetly post if I find something worth doing, I wold like to keep the stock tips as well.

Your exactly right, M mode is essentially sport with the exception that it will hold the upshift until you shift even if you bump up against the rev limiter it won't upshift. When you drive really agressively in sport the transmission reacts accordingly and will hold shifts to redline and will not necessareily up shift if you let up on the gas. This car is fast. It would definetly give a std. 997 a run for its money. The Porsche would have to have a pretty good driver to lose you.

 

AMGs rule the highway and manu-matics will always be more consistent in acceleration times vs. any manual transmission sportscars especially on the launch.

I've always loved AMGs. The only Porsche I will most likely consider in the near future is the 997TT although I don't think I would give up a top model AMG for it, but instead add the 997TT as a contrasting true sportscar for a completely different driving experience. Although there are a few guys that track their SL55s and say they are surprisingly agile for a 4300lb hard-top convertible.

The C55 is a great sports sedan. See you on MBworld.org - It's a fantastic forum.

 

I had a CLK55 for about 8 mo. and got rid of it due to problems.jj
I have had MBs for 20 + years and this thing was a real POS.

Paint quality was terable, and had loads of problems with seats.
Pasenger seat had headrest stick up and had to use back seat only untill we could get it to a dealer. Drove it for 5800 miles and 15% of that was back and forth to the dealer. Would have been more, but one trip was on a tow truck.

Traded for a Range Rover. Much better value.

I had made up my mind to get a Porsche after I had driven a 996 X50 about a year ago. Very short drive on the freeway. Went to the dealer and drove new GT3 and new 997. Looking at the quality of the car compaired to the price, it just didn't seem wright. I didn't like the stock car and when I got all the options I wanted I was looking at 120K MSRP???

I have a S2000 with some mods and dove it to the dealer. Drove away and within two miles I was asking myself why I would get rid of it for a Porsche when it is just as much fun to drive. For some reason the Porsche just dosn't get the juices flowing.

Went and drove a Vanquish and thats a differnt story. While the price is high the value is high. I have since done a lot of checking and ordered a DB9. While not the same as a true sports car, it is more in line with what I was after. Just the sound to that engine is worth 70K Dive the car down the road and you feel very special. Hard to explain, but it just gets me excited.

I will keep the S2000 for the fun of it.

 

Throw the Kleemann Stage 8 on that thing for your daily and get the 997GT3 as a weekend car!!

 

Congratulations on your C55 purchase! That's a great sedan. If that's what you like... you should never, emphasis on NEVER, have entered a Porsche dealership - they sell sports cars and that is evidently not what you are into.

 

I myself had 2 996's already I actually like both but the C55 is a great everyday driver....hey 05997s a few quick Sunday am pics...see you guys @mdworld.org

 

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