SteveL1

I'm new to the Mercedes scene and was about to buy a C32 but the deal may not go through, so I need to find something else. With the budget that I have, I figured I better look at the C230 Kompressor or a C320. Can you tell me what is the difference in the performance of the two and if there are any other major differences in the suspension, interior, exterior, etc.????

I would definetly want a sport package car to get the sport frt bumper, brakes, etc. but not sure what else is different. Most of the pics that I see here seem to be sport package cars.....am I right?

The plan would be to have a slight lowering with Renntech springs, a C55 rear spoiler, the awsome Euroteck carbon front lip, and probably 18" rims. Which car would suit this better if any??? Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!

Kar don

big difference from the C32 to regular C-class (320 and 230).

C32 adds

AMG kompressor 3.2 litre V6 (349hp)
AMG braking system (newer C230s have similar brakes)
AMG suspension (lowered and firmer ride)
AMG interior (nappa leather seats and thicker bolstering, AMG instrument cluster, aluminum trim, etc.)
AMG wheels and performance tires
AMG body kit (05+ C230s have the same kit)
AMG SPEEDSHIFT auto transmission
Dual exhaust with chrome finishers
Blue tinted glass

I am sure it has a ton of other stuff that i am missing... but a C32 is quite a bit different and nicer than a regular C-class.

SteveL1

I understand what the C32 adds, but what I'm not sure about is the diff. between the C230 Kompressor and the C320.

BabyBenz6spd

Mostly just different engine 05 C230(1.8 Supercharged) 06 C230 (2.5L V6)

C320 have more standard equipments compared to C230...thats all I can think of.

MBNorCal

power tilt/telescope steering wheel
front seats 10way power adjustable and memory
longer gear ratio

just to name a few...

r_liebo

I assume you are talking C230 vs. C320 sport. If you are, looks wise- they are identical. I think the only real difference (other than options-wise) is the engine. The C230 may handle a bit better due to the lighter engine, but I've never really pushed one that hard.
Compared to the C32, both the 320 and 230 are slugs. If you are liking the C32 power, you will be sorely disappointed with either, but IMO particularly the C230 komp. The C320 does have decent low end torque, so you do get some punch, but a 230 is just not a quick car in today's sports sedan segment particularly if you are looking at a AMGs. If you are looking at a manual tranny, the C230 is a ton of fun to row through the gears, but it still isn't very quick.
Others can speak better to mods, but engine-wise I think there are more options available with the 230.
As far as other items, it really is just standard equipment vs. optional equipment, none of it exterior that I'm aware of. This stuff changes year by year. When I got my C320, it was standard upgraded stereo, standard auto-climate control, and perhaps a few small items.
I would say determine what is important to you. If you want a car that looks fast, but isn't really fast, most non-MB nuts would be hard pressed to discern a C230 from a C320 sport from a C32 AMG, so save your cash and go C230.
If you want a car that looks fast and is decently so, go with a C320 sport.
If you want a car that is really as fast as it looks, save up for the AMG.
It really is a wholly different beast.

MB-BOB

Assuming you are writing about used C32's, C320's and C230's, if you can afford a used C32, my guess is you can afford a NEW C350, or C350ss, which will provide 40+ more ponies than a used C320.

Both the C320 and C350 have several luxury conveniences and features that leave the C230 behind in the Mercedes experience. Some have already been noted above. It's just a question if these matter to you.

I agree the C32 operates in a completely different world than the other cars. But if you like to punch it all the time, the C32 will give lousy gas mileage if you intend to use it on a daily commute to work that involves any city traffic.

SteveL1

Not so!!! '02 C32's are in the low to mid $30's but a new C350 is well over $40k. My thinking is that I could find an '04 or '05 C320 SS for under $30k and have a few buck left over to buy mods. My primary concern with the C230 & C320 was performace compared to the C32, but as it would be use as a daily driver, the gas mileage could be a huge factor. I drive about 15k-20k a year.

MB-BOB

Check MBUSA... Link

The luxury C350 MSRP is $38,925, and the C350ss is less, at $38,325. As noted above, they come well appointed at this level. And if you live on either coast (especially west coast) you might be able to wangle one of those $2K below invoice deals that I think are BS, but others insist are out there. That means $33-$34K.

If you can afford a mid 30s C32, I wouldn't buy a 4-5 year old one, when you can get a NEW car for only $3K more (max). But that's just me. Don't expect either car to deliver Supercharger performance. If you really want that kind of HP, you'll have to stick with an older C32.

Jeffy

I have an '05 C320SS 6spd manual and love it. When shopping last year, I test drove an '05 230SS and didn't like the 4 cyl lack of low-end torque. I also recently had an '05 C230SS loaner car for a week (auto tranny) and man I could not believe the difference to my 320 with a manual. The noise and vibration the 1.8L puts out feels and sounds very cheap compared to the 3.2L and I couldn't stand the auto tranny. The entire 230 felt less refined and less solid - The different powertrain and mounts must be mostly responsible for the added shakiness.

My advice is for SURE to get a 6spd manual and if you can afford it, get the 320 over the 230. Don't get me wrong, the 230 is a great car and great value, but its a different (better) world in the 320. The power and torque differences are only HALF of the story.

And now for the shameless plug: I am selling my '05 C320SS 6spd manual (white w/15k miles) perfect condition for right around $30k. [I just ordered a C350SS, I get a new car every year] Send me a private message for more details or questions.

Cheers and happy shopping.

-Jeff

e1000

Right off the bat - you're going to add $600 for metallic paint (if you get metallic paint). Sunroof package is almost a necessity. After all is said and done, I would say the average C350 goes for well over 40K, mine had an MSRP of $44,365.

anonymouse

Basically like 10k more than a comparably equipped 230. I figured I'd buy a 230 and with the money saved fill my need for horsepower with one of these




or

blume

the 230 is much more sporty and look better all the way around, the 320 is another 10k more and looks dated to me.... i doubt performance is much diff., but i have no first hand with the 320...

SteveL1

I'm curious why you say the 230 is sportier than the 320 and why the 320's look dated???? Don't they both look the same if they have the sport package??? My understanding was that the only diff. was the motor and a few gadgets that are standard on the 320 and not available on the 230. ie. the power tilt/telescope wheel vs. manual.

I have noticed that the '04 320 Spt. cars appear to have the standard frt. bumper where the 230Kompressor with the sport pkg has the AMG type bumper. Is that the difference that you are talking about?

CitronC230K_03

i have the first two, dont seem to miss the last one.

blume

the fog lamps look better and the stock wheels are much more appealing. the interior of a 230 in black with the silver accents looks way better than any 320 that i have seen, imo, of course.

e1000

The 230 SS and 320 SS are identical except for the engine. You CAN outfit a 230 with all the options a 320 has, but the rear final drive is different (obviously because of the power difference).

mick1

Ouch ! that's a big hit on depreciation

mick1

You mean like this ?

This is the interior of my C320 SS

e1000

You will love the C350.

mick1

i think Jeffy must really love the c-class. I love my C320 but if I was going to replace it, I think I would get something different because I like to try out different cars.

FrankW

I think you'll be better off with the 2005 C320ss now that you are not considering the C32. the 320 definitely has more oomph power wise and standard feature wise. The 320 would pretty much have all the standard feature a C32 would have.

SteveL1

Frank....Do you ever sleep???? I am tossing around the idea of which to get so I've started a new thread that deals directly with the options.....'02 C32 vs. '05 C320 vs. '06 C230.....all the same purchase price! Which would you buy and which will retain it's resale value better???

anonymouse

I didn't think the power difference is as significant between teh C230 and teh C320. In term sof peak hp there is only a 15 hp difference, slightly more for the torque figure (correct me if I'm wrong). I have a sneaking suspicion that a C320 jockey might punch it and be surprised to find that C230 still right on his azz.

trust203

Yes and specially your 6 speed manual VS 2005 C320 with auto !! :p