2.3 L vs 1.8 L C230 Kompressor FASTER?? Need advice :)
Thread Starter
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Joined: May 2002
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2.3 L vs 1.8 L C230 Kompressor FASTER?? Need advice :)
Hey everyone.
My coupe went in for its first service today. I had a bad noise coming out of the engine compartment, like a clanking at high rpm. And my transmission would shift all nuts and there is bad delays between gear switches(auto).
Anyways I got an 03 Kompressor coupe for loaner. I really think it is much smoother, no more Diesel sounding acceleration and the trans shifts great.
I was wondering if the 03 is really faster than the 02. It truely feels much better than my 02, but I thought I had the power/torque advantage with the expense of an extra 100 lbs or so because of the cast iron block of the 2.3 L.
I feel the 1.8 is very quick, the auto shifts nice and fast and overall it just feels like it has more punch eventhough the torque curve is narrow. Am I imagining all this or is my 2.3 2002 Kompressor just having some problems
. My car doesnt seem to have this type of performance.
Weird.
Any input would be helpful, as I could maybe suggest something to the dealer while its still there.
Also, my fuel mielage has been horrible on my 02, consistently 14.8 -16 city and 18=20 highway. With the 03, I drove 75 miles today on interstate and was averaging 27-29 and I was pushing it too because I was imrpessed with the performance.
Please help me!
My coupe went in for its first service today. I had a bad noise coming out of the engine compartment, like a clanking at high rpm. And my transmission would shift all nuts and there is bad delays between gear switches(auto).
Anyways I got an 03 Kompressor coupe for loaner. I really think it is much smoother, no more Diesel sounding acceleration and the trans shifts great.
I was wondering if the 03 is really faster than the 02. It truely feels much better than my 02, but I thought I had the power/torque advantage with the expense of an extra 100 lbs or so because of the cast iron block of the 2.3 L.
I feel the 1.8 is very quick, the auto shifts nice and fast and overall it just feels like it has more punch eventhough the torque curve is narrow. Am I imagining all this or is my 2.3 2002 Kompressor just having some problems
. My car doesnt seem to have this type of performance.Weird.
Any input would be helpful, as I could maybe suggest something to the dealer while its still there.
Also, my fuel mielage has been horrible on my 02, consistently 14.8 -16 city and 18=20 highway. With the 03, I drove 75 miles today on interstate and was averaging 27-29 and I was pushing it too because I was imrpessed with the performance.
Please help me!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,377
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From: Vancouver Island, B.C. Canada
2005 smart cabrio; 2008 Mercedes-Benz B 200
performance
The performance is basically a null match, but the 2.3 is a tick quicker in acceleration (8.0 s to 100 km/h vs. 8.1). If your 2.3 feels any slower than the 1.8, something is wrong with it. From your fuel consumption information, that sounds like a distinct possibility. You should be at or over 30 MPG US cruising at a steady 75 MPH with the 2.3.
Thread Starter
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Joined: May 2002
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Thanks, Thats what I was hoping to hear.
I stated this to the dealer, and I hope something is doen about it. My car hesitiates frequently, and the shifts are all screwed up.
I wonder what the problem is. I had a loud shattering noise coming from the eninge for 4 days, i brought it to dealer to hear it but then it dissapeared, it sounded very severe tho. I hope they fix it
I stated this to the dealer, and I hope something is doen about it. My car hesitiates frequently, and the shifts are all screwed up.
I wonder what the problem is. I had a loud shattering noise coming from the eninge for 4 days, i brought it to dealer to hear it but then it dissapeared, it sounded very severe tho. I hope they fix it
Thread Starter
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 960
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cmon 110 people saw this thread and only 1 reply? 
Does anyone know specific performance problems with the 2.3 engine. Im trying to find the cause oif its rough performance and bad fuel economy
TIA
Does anyone know specific performance problems with the 2.3 engine. Im trying to find the cause oif its rough performance and bad fuel economy
TIA
Almost a Member!
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 62
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From: Vancouver, BC, Canada
2002 C230
Due to my Lemon 02', MB Canada had replaced a 03' for me. I am lucky becuase I have a chance to drive both 02' for 13 months and 03'. 2.3L and 1.8L almost have identical performance in either city or highway. Since 1.8L has narrower power band, it needs to rev a bit higher in rpm most of the time. However 1.8L performs much better than 2.3L in uphill though because it is smoother and easier to rev. The transmission has actually retuned to more sportier mode as well. Now the hestiation found in my 02' has completely disappeared in my 03'. The problems found in my 02' had totally gone, and I feel more happy with my 03' even the engine is sort of "downgraded" to 1.8L. The obvious refinements in 03' play an importort role here.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 3,364
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From: New Jersey
SLS AMG | S65 AMG | GL550
I have the '98 version of the 2.3l in my SLK (189hp also) and I can say that I am much more impressed with the 1.8. The 2.3 def. hestiated and the 1.8 seems to be just as quick. I would have liked the 1.8 to rev quicker, but everything can't be perfect. If I had to choose...it would be the 1.8.
Erik
Erik
