From '97 Ford Escort to '05 Mercedes 230SS...believe it or not
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From '97 Ford Escort to '05 Mercedes 230SS...believe it or not
...believe it or not, it seems like the Escort has a little more pick up than my new Benz. Of course this could be totally in my head. No big deal for me, because I am not a hard driver, but with 186HP, I thought the benz would zoom off the track compared to the 4 cyl Ford. Don't get me wrong, I love the car, but just a little surprised the difference wasn't a little more dramatic. Anyway, I had a tough decision to pick the Mercedes over the 2005 Acura TL (which did have a lot of pick up). The C230 doesn't have as many features or the engine of the Acura, but it does handles well and feels good to be in my first Merc. The picture(s) are nothing new to this forum, but I thought I would post it anyway. I honestly think 2005 C230k as shown looks better than the 2008 C-class spy pics that have been posted elsewhere. All in all I am happy so far (with only 400 miles on it). I hope to be avoiding some of the realibility issues others have commonly complained about. I'm crossing my fingers.
Included:
sunroof package
6-cd changers
heated seats
auto
I wanted the Nav (included in the Acura TL), but I would have to wait 2 months to special order the car and pay and an additional $2000 + taxes for this entry level compact near-luxury car.
Anyway, I am content, so let me know what people think.
Thanks everyone for an informative forum. I am learning a lot from everyone's posts.
Included:
sunroof package
6-cd changers
heated seats
auto
I wanted the Nav (included in the Acura TL), but I would have to wait 2 months to special order the car and pay and an additional $2000 + taxes for this entry level compact near-luxury car.
Anyway, I am content, so let me know what people think.
Thanks everyone for an informative forum. I am learning a lot from everyone's posts.
Last edited by suniljm; Mar 25, 2005 at 08:58 AM.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 273
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From: California
C230K
Congratulations!! Welcome to the boards!Nice pics, BTW! I haven't had a problem with the C-class I drive, I'm crossing my fingers, too, that it stays that way! I had a Nissan 240 LE, and the drive is better than the C230K, but it's ok.
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Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,415
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From: Charlotte, NC
Had: 1987 300TD, Had: 2004 C230 Sport Sedan, Have: 2014 E350 Sport, Have: 2019 S450
The lack of accelleration that you feel with the Benz, may be due to the very flat torque curve.
I've driven quite a few cars. Typically, Hondas/Acuras feel very quick. The power is progressive, getting stronger as the revs get higher. The actual reason for this is that they are so anemic in the low RPM range, that even 140 hp feels strong after wheezing through the 50hp rev range.
On the Benz, you've got torque out the wazoo (comparatively speaking), but the torque curve is flat, meaning that you don't feel progressive acceleration - it is more constant. Driving a Boxster is similar. You're suddenly going stupid fast, but it doesn't feel like you've accelerated much at all.
Line the two cars up side-by-side, and you'll find the real deal. At the light, the Benz has no problem putting a car length or two on the ricers by reaching 50-60mph. Sure, they can run the 'losers fly-by', but when it comes down to it, the Benz isn't too slow.
I've driven quite a few cars. Typically, Hondas/Acuras feel very quick. The power is progressive, getting stronger as the revs get higher. The actual reason for this is that they are so anemic in the low RPM range, that even 140 hp feels strong after wheezing through the 50hp rev range.
On the Benz, you've got torque out the wazoo (comparatively speaking), but the torque curve is flat, meaning that you don't feel progressive acceleration - it is more constant. Driving a Boxster is similar. You're suddenly going stupid fast, but it doesn't feel like you've accelerated much at all.
Line the two cars up side-by-side, and you'll find the real deal. At the light, the Benz has no problem putting a car length or two on the ricers by reaching 50-60mph. Sure, they can run the 'losers fly-by', but when it comes down to it, the Benz isn't too slow.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 466
Likes: 2
From: Hawaii
2005 Volvo S40 T5 AWD, 2004.5 C230 Sport Sedan, 2005 E320 CDI, 2008 C300 4-Matic Luxury
Originally Posted by suniljm
I wanted the Nav (included in the Acura TL), but I would have to wait 2 months to special order the car and pay and an additional $2000 + taxes for this entry level compact near-luxury car.
you'll even have your choice of whether you want European or US nav as well 
congrats and welcome!
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Its not that your Mercedes is slower than your Escort, its the sensation of speed.
I just had a Pontiac Pursuit as a rental car this past week. It 'felt' faster than my C230, although it is most definitely not. The reasons I could come up with were:
1. The rental was noiser, thus giving an illusion of more speed/power
2. The rental was smaller inside, so any speed seemed more pronounced (take a ride in a Mini, seems like you're flying)
3. The ride quality was worse, and typically the illusion of speed is accompanied by the 'seat of the pants' 'hold on for dear life' feeling
The comfy quiet ride of the Mercedes takes away most of these 'sensations' and although it doesn't feel like you're going faster, you are.
My parents had a 1984 Corvette and 1989 V12 Jag, guess which one was faster in the 1/4 mile? The Jag, yet cause the Corvette rode like it was on rails and roared to life it always 'felt' faster.
I just had a Pontiac Pursuit as a rental car this past week. It 'felt' faster than my C230, although it is most definitely not. The reasons I could come up with were:
1. The rental was noiser, thus giving an illusion of more speed/power
2. The rental was smaller inside, so any speed seemed more pronounced (take a ride in a Mini, seems like you're flying)
3. The ride quality was worse, and typically the illusion of speed is accompanied by the 'seat of the pants' 'hold on for dear life' feeling
The comfy quiet ride of the Mercedes takes away most of these 'sensations' and although it doesn't feel like you're going faster, you are.
My parents had a 1984 Corvette and 1989 V12 Jag, guess which one was faster in the 1/4 mile? The Jag, yet cause the Corvette rode like it was on rails and roared to life it always 'felt' faster.
