Chilli

I posted this question on MBWorld (click here) and got a mixed response. Both cars will come in around $31000 however are very different. For the TL you get a lot more for your money and greater reliability. For the MB, you get vaultlike solidity, better brakes (upgraded significantly in 2004), and greater longevity regarding structural integrity, lack of vibrations, and superior paint. These observations are highly subjective and I'm sure many of you would have different opinions. The facelifted cars should appear this summer and have improved appearance with nicer front fascia and clear headlights, and a markedly improved interior similar to the E class, along with improved suspension and ride. The main issue for me is the vast superiority in the 270 hp TL engine over the 1.8L supercharged 4 banger putting out 192 hp. FWD however is a big detractor for the TL.

Can anyone give me some objective opinions regarding the choice of car trying not to focus only on the hp difference as the MB will likely be quick enough for my wife and daughter who will be driving the car.

casooner90

My friend has an MB C320 and he absolutely hates it. He got it because of his wife, but says it makes noise and is underpowered. I let him drive my TL and he can't believe how much he paid for his chrysler, er, benz.

I did drive his MB once, but didn't really take it through the hoops so can't really say - felt smooth.

Just one subjetive opionion.

Skeedatl

I drove the C230K automatic sedan and liked it, but by the time I got the options on it I wanted it was too expensive for the money and opted for the TL and it was a bit cramped compared to the TL. It was slower but seemed to have good fit and finish, at least on par with my father's S500 which over the last 3 years had been trouble free and he's not exactly easy on cars.

But a drive around the block doesn't give you the whole story but in the price range I would take a BMW 330.

kws6000

Do you want us to pick the color also?Seriously,why dont you drive them both back to back and decide what is best for your needs.

MarkItZero

I think the C230 sport sedan is sweet! But, the two biggest detracts are horsepower and interior size. I had a C32 so I know those cars are small. 85 cubic feet vs 97 for the TL. That is a huge difference. I have found the fwd and torque steer are way overblown. If you know when you step on it, the wheel is going to shimy. No big deal. The TL hauls ass.

Chilli

Gee, great idea! Why didn't I think of that? Do you think black, white or silver?

DC5_Integra

1. Silver
2. black
3. white

Swat Dude

I think the TL is more relative in size to the E class. The C-Class seems Corolla-like in size.

Don't get me wrong, I like the C-Class and I think the styling is nice, but it has that stigma of being a "poor man's Mercedes".

VTEC=happiness

I've gotta say that compared to our little forum, at least the MBZ guys are objective. I actually like the C class cars a lot, but feel that if you really want to stay close to the low $30K mark you kind of have to go with a TL. Once you put some basic options in the C, won't it creep up into the high 30's?

vtechbrain

Im sorry to say this but most mercedes are pieces of junk. Reliability is a word that has not existed in mercedes engineering circles, ever. Yes they are built like tanks, but they end up as non moving rusting heaps in some pasture long before any honda product I've ever owned. BMW at least can boast about its engineering and reliability if not its value. MB can't do even that.

digital_b

I dont know vtechs frame of reference but the c class is way over priced and its NOT direct competition to the tl in anything but price. according to people who work at the benz dealer I got my ml from the c class has major electrical problems and 'we see some of the same people in here every week. no wonder why so many are trading in for lexus'. I drove a c sports coupe and while not bad its in no way worth the money and comes stripped anyway.

caball88

i'm not gonna bash the C class but its kind of 2 different cars. The C class is smaller than the TL and would probably be compared to the TSX instead. i know price wise it will be closer to the TL cause its a MB. i think the TL offers more in every category than the C class. i test drove the C class this summer and it was kind of ehhhh...slower. i would go with the TL.

DavidNJ

Well...can you live with a $31k C180K? The TL offers features (phone, power seats, etc) that would push the price to $40k. Size that isn't available. And more power.

The C180K does look great with its MB look and 17" wheels. And the 1.8 SC motor is one of MB's best.

Generally, the C180K is a yuppie car or a second car. The TL is more of a cost-conscious primary car.