Fiancee's new ride

[The Critic]

Originally Posted By: JHZR2
Originally Posted By: The Critic
Even if the newer C class is not the best on paper, I find its appearance to be very elegant, classy and distinguished.


huh? not the best on paper? with respect to what?

An MB is a vehicle designed with a different quality set than another competitor. Back in the day Toyota copied MB, Nissan copied BMW. Same difference. Which is better on paper there?

In terms of value or pure performance numbers.

For instance, a 328i will still smoke a C300. Possibly (and likely) outhandle it as well.

 

[JHZR2]

But for as much as some may like to compare them, they are NOT the same car, heck they arent really competitors in my book.

The C class is the descendant of the w201 chassis (190 series) from 1984. It was designed as the "value" Mercedes vehicle sold in the USA (of course it is a world car and used elsewhere, but that was/is its place). The "executive" car, i.e. the E-class, whether the current, back to the w123, w115, and predecessors was the bread and butter car. That car equates to the 5-series BMW. The 3-series is the descendant of the 2002, and was always designed to be BMW's bread and butter vehicle, the main seller. At this point especially, it is no longer BMW's "value" vehicle in the USA, the 1-series is. Note that the C300 MSRP is roughly $3000 less than the 328i, and only about $600 off from a 128i coupe.

Note that both makers tried to sell a "value line" vehicle in the kompressor coupe of the last c-class range (w203) and in the E36 318ti hatch. MB had the later attempt. BMW doesnt really, IMO at least try to make the 3-series a deal anymore... MB still does.

Again, different vehicles despite what the car rags want to tell you. Just like a camry or an accord or an altima are different cars with different intents in their design and engineering... even if they all have in common that they sit 5 and have some range of interior volume.

And whatever it says on paper or on the track, the average driver with an automatic and a cellphone is not going to notice a difference anyway.

 

[97tbird]

It's sad; I feel like BMW is going to become more of a "mainstream" car than the "ultimate driving machine" pretty soon...
I keep looking at nice E46 coupes on the road, and feel like i am looking at something exotic and rare...if not now, in the future, for sure

 

[ekpolk]

Hmmmmmmmm, I can't decide. Do I hate your fiance --- or do I love her? ? ?

Don't take offense -- j/k!

 

[Mr Nice]

Quote:
too flashy for my tastes


Isn't that the ponit of driving a Benz ?

 

[97tbird]

i guess it can be the point...not sure about the "ponit" though

 

[Quattro Pete]

Personally, I can't see how this is any more flashy than a 3-series BMW. Out of all the cars she was considering, this and the A4 were the two better looking ones, IMO.

 

[Mr Nice]

IMO,

BMW has always designed much nicer looking cars than MB

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted By: LT4 Vette
IMO,

BMW has always designed much nicer looking cars than MB

Personal preference I guess. IMO, the current C-Class looks much better than the current 3-series.

 

[Minou]

A co-worker just leased an all black '10 C300 4Matic. He cross shopped the 3 Series and A4 as well but settled on the Merc.

I really like it but I find the front ent too low like if the suspension was slammed and that it would lack travel. With the low 45 profile tires and our bad roads, I'm not sure it's a good idea.

 

[Lurch]

Nice car. I'm sure it's a great car and rides nice.