chill_dog

Mercedes gave in to PETA a couple of months ago and now offers cloth as an option on its high-end cars, and some people are getting it. Guess somebody wants it...

leeherman

And yet Chrysler's quality has apparently improved somewhat since the merger (takeover?).

Go figure.

AdamNJ

For the people you work with, maybe you should just race them and whoop their ass...then they will shut up.

AdamNJ

What was this guy talking about? Lack of airbags my ass. That makes no sense to me, and makes me think the poster just doesn't know what the hell he is talking about.

Tecworld

My gf drives a 2005 C320 Sport SEDAN and I drive a TL, so I can tell you the differences (since I drive both cars every week)
Please note my TL has the ASPEC suspension setup, and her car is the sport trim.

TL > C320
+Engine is smoother, more powerful and linear in acceleration
+Car is roomier
+DVD-A sounds better than anything else
+Styling is more muscular, lighting is nicer (with LEDs and more precise HIDs)

C320>TL
+Engine is very torquey but loses some steam near the top, engine is also noisy - especially at startup, whereas the TL's engine and exhaust note just sounds better
+Suspension is just better.. more solid, absorbs bumps better while corners better too (probably because the car is RWD and center of gravity is very low) - I'd say the setup is as close to a 3 series as any car gets
+Steering is stiff and more well-weighted at speeds, not overly responsive like the TL's
+Turn radius probably lops a good 6 feet off the TL's
+12 Speaker Harmon Kardon system is better for all non-DVD-A applications
+Car seems to use less fuel (of course with less power)


Keep in mind, both cars weigh almost the same (within 200 lbs or so), so that's not really a factor. Given all this, I'd still prefer my TL, because it was about 10k less in price, faster, and I love the engine. It also suits a guy better I think. But I gotta tell you, parked side by side, not many cars LOOK more expensive than those mercedes with their nice chrome and clear bling bling faces.

Tecworld

I just wanted to add that I think a lot of people on this thread are blindly defending the TL and hitting the C with random arguments. Honestly, I can tell you from experience both cars are VERY good, and the C makes a better alternative (as opposed to the TL) to a BMW 3 series since it's virtually the same car in a different flavor. If you've driven a lot of German and Japanese luxury cars, you'll realize that German cars focus more on passion and over-doing certain things way beyond what is necessary, while lacking in other things. Japanese cars focus on perfection and only giving what's necessary for all things, but not really over-doing anything. Perfect example: the TL's brake rotors are something like 11.8" or 12.2"(6mt) front, and 11.1" in back, while the new 3 series has 13+ inch brake rotors on all four wheels, for a 200lb lighter car. It's not necessary for sure, but hell, I'd love to have some monster brakes. The cars aren't more expensive for nothing.

jtow

First I would ask why there are 6 different models of C Class Mercedes. How many versions are there of the TL; 1. You can get Navigation or not, that's about it. All the stuff MB charges extra for, the TL comes with standard, with more horsepower and MUCH better reliability..The top of the line C320:

MSRP $38,070.00*
Engine 3.2L 18 valve V6 engine
Net Power 215 hp @ 5,700 rpm
Net Torque 229 lb-ft @ 3,000 - 4,600 rpm

ok, so it's priced about the same a few grand higher, even though it as 55 less horsepower right?

Wrong.

My TL/5AT/NAVI, which I got for 34K out the DOOR has:

Leather Seats
Heated Seats
DVD Navigation
XM Radio
HandsfreeLink
Voice Commands
HID Headlights
A moonroof
5AT - Tiptronic
Homelink

C320, let's add that stuff since it's not standard.

Leather Seats: additional cost not given
Heated Seats: additional: $680.00
DVD Navigation: additional $2,210.00
XM Radio: additional: $699.00
HandsfreeLink: additional: $765.00
HID Headlights: additional: $790.00
A moonroof including homelink: additional: $1,790.00
5 Speed Automatic: $1,390.00

___________

$48,574.00, and with 215hp.

I rest my case. Hell, I can get a TSX / 200hp loaded for $29K with leather, nav etc.

J-Tow

crazymjb

To each his own. A family friend just got a 240, there comfortable, but sluggish. I hear there 0-60 is in the 9 seconds range. As far as luxery a fully loaded C is pretty nice. But not quite as fast. Now an S600...

VelfarreClubber

I think females look best rollin in a C class

Tommygun

I drove a C230 Kompressor and really wanted to like it.. I wasn't impressed one bit: It was slow as hell, no cool gadgets and didn't feel that tight. I really liked the way the Black on Black sport model looked, but didn't hold up to the value of my TL. I think these people are the same ones who buy BMW 3-series and are now euro-snob wanna be's. Buy and E-class or a 5-series then bash my car and I'll agree.

SlayerGTR

MERCEDES SUX ASS

I am bashin their cars b/c i used to own one and they do suck!

problems here and there. Those dumbf*cks need to learn to get a car daz worth the $ and stop sayin the TL sux jus cuz its FWD. The TL outperforms the C class w/ FWD lol. No point havin RWD in C class if they can't even handle like BMW.

But it doesn't really matter, cuz Acura cars should last about 2x longer and cost 2-4x cheaper to maintain. Their loss :P

rets

Well said. Good reviews...

TLOBLLC

And... in conclusion... members of an Acura enthusiast site prefer Acura products. And when owners of other brands bash Acura products, members of this site are outraged..

Is this a surprise?

PS.. The MB C's in my neighbourhood are exclusively driven by women - who could not afford the M class.

SnappyPappy

I get a kick out of people who bash some of these hi profile automobiles. BMW does not make down any of their models. As a matter of fact the 3 series (325i, 330i M3) have been for more reliable than their new flag ship 7 series. We own a 330i Bimmer (and an Acura RL and TL) and I can promise you the BMW will hold it's own against these two automobiles. Handling wise Acura should be so good as BMW. The BMW is the reference automobile in all catagories (EXCEPT the 7 series) that other vendors shoot for. This is no accident! The 3 series is the most successful line of cars for BMW. So you think they are gonna cut corners on their bread and butter cash cow??? Not too logical. Look you are allowed to say pretty much what you want to on these forums . . . Dollar for dollar the TL is probably one of the better buys out there right not but it's NOT a BMW . . .

rets

Not really. ou sig said it well, "each owner is going to be loyal to their cars"... Except the passion, heritage, reputation, and prestige, etc, I don't see too many real comparisons from those MB owners, here, at least lots of ppl can detail/describe prs/cons about TL/MB...


Btw, this is the Acura-bias forum, what do you expect!?

DaCeptak0n

I used to drive an E320 until the TL (TenderLoving) came into my life. But anyways, ehre's what I said to edn it because it was stupid or at least gotten way out of hand..

And I quote, "Why you guys getting mad, its all fun and games. You guys paid a price for name. Wait, why a C230, the lowest model in the Mercedes Line-up. I wish my E had some of the features my TL got. Think of it like this my chap, I got any of these to choose from every morning.

People taking it so seriously. Don't be mad cause your at the bottom of the totem pole....its okay. Your time will come or for some of you, time may already faded, thats why you needed to hurry up and get on the Benz bandwagon but startin out small is good. Good luck fellows..."

KaMLuNg

iTrader: (5)

i currently have both vehicles and i prefer the TL... i have to admit that the ride of the MB is very smooth and quiet compared to the TL but i would rather have the raw power... my TL is a first gen with only 200 hp stock and the new 240 4 matic we just bought sits under 180??? i mean power for power it is just a dumb answer... but it all depends on how u want to ride... i would rather roll the MB through potholes cause they can handle it better than my TL, and if i have to go to a wedding give me the MB... but everyday FUN i drive my TL...



i already got flamed for putting a cover on the C-Class even when it sits in a garage... its cause it doesn't get driven much and i hate dusting the car truthfully...

SnappyPappy

Don't mean to interrupt yer automobile fantasies but you might consider spending a little more time with yer English teacher at school instead of glooming all those automobile mags. . . Contraction for 'they are' is NOT there! Lol

ludachrisvt

iTrader: (2)

you are :ghey:

Most people know this but make mistakes because it is :gasp: the internet.

:gheylaugh:

rets

Lol, sometimes I do feel the same way. I hate dust, too...

Jackie Chiles

I just bought a TL w/ navi.

Also in consideration was the G35 coupe (prettiest car on the road under $40,000), the audi A4 (love AWD), the RX-8 (owned an rx-7), and the MBZ C230 (very slick looking in red).

It took me 4 months to mull over which one to pick through test drives, price, options, performance, crash testing, reliability, etc. I went through every concievable pro and con between all five.

Speaking about the MBZ specifically, when you get right down to it, what you will really be paying for the prestige of owning a car with the MBZ badge. end of story. The TL is a testament to that.

I paid about $33,500 for mine. If you go to www.mbusa.com and price out a c230 comparably equiped, it comes out to over $40,000. And you still come out with about 80 less HP.

(disclaimer: this is aimed only at the MBZ TL haters)
Now some cars just click with people regardless of price, style, performance, i get it, but for the people that own a C230-240 and trash the TL, what you have is a mercedes cling-on club member who is willing to take it in the pooper to be in the club. And if they offered spinner hubcaps as an option, Im sure they would pull their foodstamps together to get 'em.

What it really all boils down to is that they are shallow people who need to feel validated through an emblem on the hood of their car.

The quickest way to become poor is trying to prove how rich you are.....vanity is a bitch sometimes.

PeterUbers

iTrader: (1)

I bought a 1996 C280 .. one of the best built cars on the road .. however, my dumbass bought it w/o any traction control (now it's a standard feature on all their cars) .. so it scared the crap outta me in the winter. Traded it in later on. It was very solid... smooth engine, no rattles/creaks... handled very well for a non-sport Benz. At the time, I thought the world of the C-class...

I think the new C-class is now returning to the quality of the '96 generation of C-class... i know that they have faltered in quality and craftsmanship b/w these years and the present... however, my buddy's new C55 AMG is probably one of the nicest cars I've been in .. in terms of luxury, ammeneties (sp??) and quality of construction.

I like the C-class... I do NOT like people that bash other cars simply b/c they are not the same marque as the car they own.

Remember folks...
1) driving a Mercedes does not make your penis bigger
2) it does NOT put more money in your savings account (rather, it takes more out)
3) it does NOT give you another couple letters after your name (i.e. MD, PhD, JD)
4) it does NOT make your salary go up
5) and it does not make your wife hotter

Case closed.

(also, for the record, the TL does none of the above as well...)

crazymjb

Don't meen to drag this off topic, but english is my worst scool subject. Still in curric 1 though. Sry, it was internet talk. They are -> They're. If ur alternating btween aim and this ur type language gets alittle slured.

DaCeptak0n

Jackie and peter put it so well. I just wish these guys can read this. They're tellin me do I wanna get flamed?..tha hell does that mean?

DaCeptak0n

I have E320 and within the first 6 hours of me receiving it, it had a malfunction big enough to get towed out of my garage and in the dealership bay fr over a week. SRS malfunction, Tele-Aid says, "step out of vehicle, airbags can deploy at any time."

SnappyPappy

Oh I don't know . .. I could swear my Mr. Johnson is a little bigger now and my wife is diffinitely hotter . . .

SnappyPappy

We unnerstan completely and the beer doesnt' help either . . .

Legend2TL

FWIW, cast iron brake rotors are a very cheap commodity so the size of the rotor has very little effect on the price of the car. Agreed that BMW put big rotors on their cars as well as MB, however it does increase the rotational inertia so some effect on performance does occur such as a very slight increase in fuel economy. Honda/Acura (as well as other Japanese manufactures) has sometimes undersized their rotors.

4 piston calipers on the other hand cost considerably more expensive than single piston. BMW does not even offer 4 piston calipers on their vehicles, the next gen M5 will have 2 piston calipers. The current E55 has 8 piston calipers in the front and 4 piston in the rear calipers.

Legend2TL

I agree on the quality issue. My brother has owned 5 BMW's (three 3 series, a 5 series and a M6, the only brand he has ever owned). I've worked on all but one of them. From my experience BMW does not cheapen down the 3 series from the other higher series. Sure the seats may not be quite as nice but in terms of components such as electrical connectors, bolts, suspension parts they are all very similar.

In terms of reference automobile, the driving experience I agree on but not exterior or interior design on current BMW's. The Bangles/Idrive BMW's are currently testing traditonal BMW owner's loyalty's. The sales drop in the 7 series series caused a 2 year pull-in on the mild exterior restyling schedule.

My opinion is that MB is the styling benchmark for interior and exterior styling these days (esspecially the new CLS and new SLK), MB may have alot of quality/reliablity issues they're dealing with but ugly cars is not one of them.

05TLTony

Jackie Chiles-
The quickest way to become poor is trying to prove how rich you are.....vanity is a bitch sometimes.[/QUOTE]

nice quote and so true

05TLTony

For crying out lout, that's so freakin funny. I couldn't have put it better.

AdamNJ

Here is some of those MB quality issues we were talking about.

http://money.cnn.com/2005/03/31/Auto...ex.htm?cnn=yes

LessisBestmakingendsmeet

p.s. The Acuras in my neighborhood (that is how you spell it) are driven by men and women-who could not afford a Benz.

I find the C-class to be a very good car, the restyled one with the AMG bumper and 17" wheels looks fantastic. Yes they are pretty high priced but good cars.

And they make C32 and C43 etc etc, no Acura sedan can begin to match that.

scrb09

scrb09

ACURAS are driven by people who cant afford a Benz....THE FACT OF THE MATTER IS BUDDY C CLASS BENZ'S ARE DRIVEN BY PEOPLE WHO CANNOT AFFORD A "REAL" BENZ (e.g. the E or the S class...)

Check the prices you can get a C 240 fully loaded for around the same price of the TL...but as I like to say C240 is like a KIA with a freeking benz badge...

Alan Barreuther

Don't let MB's recall of 1.3 million cars worldwide yesterday blunt your enthusiasm!

SnappyPappy

Hey what about us who drive Mercedes, BMW AND Acura's? We seem to all have one thing in common. We appreciate Automobiles . . . Just different makes for different tastes and driving thrills. I love my Acura TL and I fully enjoy the BMW 330i (wifes drives mostly) and I really loved my Mercedes 450sl. Each car brings me pleasure in some same ways and some different ways. They all have short comings. I won't list them here - most you know already. No need to put down other folks and their Auto choices.

An Acura won't make yer wang any bigger and an Mercedes won't make it any smaller. (someone here already said that I think.) So let's all play nice together. It's a leap frog auto world anyway - what's hot today isn't so hot tomorrow.

I say to the lady down the street who purchases a C-class Mercedes, "good on you girl", at least you have good taste in wheels. . . I'd rather have a Benz in the neighborhood than a Buick. Now there's some sheet metal to bash!

mickey3c

yeah but it was not for an oil jet ... or a tranny.. where the fix would possibly impact the performance of the car. yeah those are huge numbers and I am not a fan of MB, just that this kind of recall is better than some I have experienced with other brands...

Kubrus

my TL rocks, but my CLK 320 owns all!

DaCeptak0n

C-class drivers are Benz bandwagon riders who couldn't afford to spend some real money on an E-class. Especially those who have a C230 or C240, couldn;t scrap up money to get a C32 or C55 AMG...

All in all, these low C230/C240/C320 are a bunch of Matchbox lookin "cars"