It is unfortunately I don't have any images to share here. Indeed it was an excited test drive for me. 1997 C36 vs. my own 1995 C36. The test drive was done two weeks ago via the arrangment from Pak Lok who found the 1997 car. My wife was there, too. Believe it or not, she gave the nod but I didn't take the car for an exchange. I was trying to find it because a lot of my friends are interested. However eventually none of them were brave enough to show up for a test drive and it was quite frustrating.
As all you know I have test driven a few C36s in the past, however they might all be alike in spec and performance. Needless to say my own was the best. This was no longer true after testing driving the 1997 version. There are enough changes to justify any reason to give up my own C36. First and foremost is the 5-speed gearbox, which gave much better response and completely change the way the big 3.6L engine deliver its power and speed. It accelerated much harder and faster. I have no doubted thru the quick change of gears it may out-accelerate my own C36 with 4-speed by as much as 1 seconds from 0-100kph. The 1997 was busy changing gears to answer the call of the gas pedal with the lively engine. You can feel the energy and the torque of the lively engine and the gearbox . My C36 quickly changed up to third gear and then hanged in there for a long time. While doing so, it relies on the 3.6L engine's torque and power to do the acceleration. I certainly find this lazy torquey American style way acceleration slightly more addictive. What's slightly disappointing is that the crazy shift mode (sports) in my C36 has changed to a 'winter' mode.
Engine-wise it wasn't as smooth as my C36 at idle. It did give a raspy and energetic engine note and has the responsiveness and free-revving spirit of a small engine. I couldn't not believe it is a big inline 6. The 5-speed gearbox does give the same (I believe) engine a different character. Only when you drive long enough you notice they are actually sharing the same engine. I have no doubt the ECU program has changed accordingly.
Besides being two years younger, the 1997 did have a much better body work with deep, luxious and smooth silver paint. The leather rear seats are in great condition. Honestly I don't like the newer busy-looking, heavily padded and thick AMG steering wheel. I don't like the new electronic a/c controls. I prefer the old rotary temp dials and buttons. They are responsive and rugged and require very little adjustment in getting the cockpit confortable throught the journey.
The ride is firmer and less floaty. The car feels slightly more solid. The....
