Hi everyone!

Good job on this new section of the forum. How popular it will become I'm not sure as there already is MBWorld that discusses these cars but I think it's a cool idea, as there are many folks who own both a Crossfire and a SLK or C-class etc from that era. So this is a great bridge between our brothers and sisters.

I remember watching a video by the SRT engineers discussing HP. Don't want to open a can of worm in the discrepancy between the Crossfire 330hp and the 32AMG's 342hp but one of the guys kind of smiles and mentions that if anything the Crossfire should have more as it has better cooling.
Is that actually true? And if so how does it differ from the Merc?

Here is video:

Also, what mechanical differences are there actually between both cars? Besides cosmetics of course.

Have a great weekend guys!

Nick

 

I am no expert on Crossfire platform, but I would imagine if it wasn't an MB marketing excercise then the extra HP will be very easy to achieve, my educated guess is it will be in the Motor ECU's Flash File (Maps) Neil can probably answer that in a heartbeat

Interesting video btw

 

From what I understand, there is no major difference between them. Strictly a numbers and marketing game. Chrysler and Shelby played a similar game during their partnership. The cars made much more power than advertised.

 

the crossfire has a free'er flowing front bumper/grill design and thus more airflow for cooling

btw, that is my old SRT6 they used for the video on top of the parking structure

 

Great explanation and beautiful car!!

 

Do we know of any other major differences? TCU/ECU maps?

The hp discussion I believe was settled a while back and folks came to different conclusions but primarily that is was a marketing gimmick as Daimler didn't want to admit the Crossfire has the same HP output and then some.

 

Apparently, the men that really know say the flash file code (mapping) and everything else is identical ................
I tend to agree with the marketing blurb statements, the other thing (for UK market at least) Mfrs have often claimed lower power outputs to get a lower Insurance group rating ................

 

I believe that's been the truth with most Mercedes (and likely other German manufacturers as well) in Germany. When I grew up people always said Germany undervalues their HP ratings to be in a lower emissions bracket. They take that stuff very seriously over there. Of course the insurance group rating might be a thing, too but I always thought it was due to strict emissions control.
My guess would then be the 32AMG output is higher than the stated 354 PS.

 

I've had the privilege of owning and driving quite a few high powered vehicles of all makes and types. While I have never dyno'd a stock SRT6 or SLK32, the 349hp number by my "super calibrated butt dyno" is probably about right. I'd be pretty surprised if it was any higher.

 

How does the SLK32 AMG handle compared to the SRT6? Is there a difference at all in handling properties?
I'd imagine not much when comparing Roadsters but the Coupe should be quite stiffer than the 32AMG. You simply can't just strap a folding hard top on a car and expect it to handle and be as stiff and rigid as a coupe.

But would love to hear impressions of people who drove both Mercedes and Chrysler.

And then...how much did the SRT team really have a hand in tuning properties? To me it seems to be like they just used all SLK 32 AMG parts and that's it. Did they actually improve anything?

 

I know for a fact that Crossfire Coupe's hook up much better with big power, because the R170 is limited to 255 / 35 x 18 rear tyres, I did look at tubbing one, but the rear 1/4 windows mech encroaches so not really feasible.
My V8 R170 needs a definite specific launch technique and a bit of luck on a hot day after a good run to get the rear Tyres hot and sticky and the Roof folded into the Boot above the rear end to get a whole 1 second better times.

I'm pretty sure Crossfire (Coupes at least) can run bigger Tyres

Your comments re the Crossfire Coupe shell being stiffer is extremely valid and something I had never considered

Tuning wise the general consensus appears to be that power outputs are the same, just the claims are different.

Needs a dyno shoot out

 

The "flexing" of the R170 is definitely real. ANY time I put an R170 on the lift and open a door (while it is in the air), the window does NOT make it all the way back in place (if you shut the door while still on the lift).
But the flexing and rear tire size restrictions are prices that I am willing to pay for a sweet little folding-hardtop roadster (with more power than my 1965 GTO !)

 

Yes, I have observed that R170 flexing on the lift too
I also agree with your comments about the look of the R170, beautiful lines, and despite the flex they still handle very very well when in fine fettle .....................

Crossfire Coupe also has beautiful lines, and they handle very very well when in fine fettle with the addition that the Coupe can be used anywhere for my chosen form of Motorsport where a convertible cannot, and they will also hook up better if I run down the strip on the odd occasion ..................

No way will I ever sell my Blue V8 R170, but my Silver R170 SLK320 V6 has gotta go to free up a garage space for a Crossfire 6 speed MT V8 hoonigan