heat010

A few days ago, I did back to back test drives of the new C320 Sports Sedan and a BMW 330i. I know these are my two finalists in terms of my buying decision:

C320 Sports Sedan: I was pretty impressed by the whole package. It had C2 and the changer and that was it, but it felt pretty loaded. The sport wheels, bose system, leather inserts (looked fine even without the entire leather package) and especially the blue tinted windows. . It was a pretty youthful looking car, which appealed to me. Very quiet ride, especially at highway speeds. Gradual acceleration, absorbs bumps really well. Not bad in the twisties going up a mountain pass. I think this would be an excellent long distance cruiser. Comfortable would be my best description of the car.

The 330i, felt a little tighter interior wise, but more sportier. I felt less insulated from the engine, the road, a definite "sports" sedan feel. Excellent tight handling. The drive -by-wire system took a bit of getting used to especially when I had it all the way down on the floor and the acceleration started building. But boy is this car fast. Went on a highway jaunt and blew past people. Car felt "tighter", more responsive.

God this decision is tough. The Benz is an excellent cruiser, quiet, posh feeling. The BMW is a car if I wanted to feel more "dialed in" from a sports sedan perspective. Feel more aggressive in this car, but on a long haul, is it worth it.

Would appreciate your opinions and recommendations. Thanks.

steve s

emotions aside...i think u have it narrowed down pretty well as to how each car drives. it really comes down to personal choice....to me, the bmw is no way too stiff...and the mb too soft (amg cars r a diff story, but another time)....but that's me. since it is ur butt behind the steering wheel...think it really comes down to just which one u feel u would want to drive more often... good luck!

calvol

I have an 01 330 and a 89 Jetta, and although I haven't driven the C320, I test drove the C230 with my wife.

I was really impressed with the C230 Coupe. One thing I liked was the spacious feeling of the cabin, as the dash somewhat leans away from the driver, giving more of a roomy feel (similar to way the dash leans away from the driver in the Nissan Maxima). The 330i cabin, though well-designed, leans into the driver, and thus the cabin feels a little restrictive (not near as much as the A4, which I feel claustrophobic in).

The other thing I really like is the C230's 1.8 I-4 engine. It seemed peppy and had surprisingly little or no lag. It seemed quiet at highway speeds, and with the supercharger, it driving over high-altitude passes to Tahoe.

But getting back into the 330i, I noticed how rock-solid the car feels, and how good it handles with the sports package. It's chassis feels stiffer and definitely better connected to the road. And the 330i I-6 engine is so smooth and powerful, I can't hear or feel it at highway speeds. After 2 years of trouble-free ownership, it still amazes me.

I was thinking of trading in the 330i for a C230, because I am really of big fan of efficient 4-cylinder engines, but for now, the 330i seems like a step above in terms of performance and handling.

Mike T.

The BMW six is a far superior engine to the V-6 in the Benz. It's smoother, more powerful, makes for a faster car, has massively better fuel efficiency....overall it's a no-brainer. Assuming you can get over the 3er sedan's homely styling. Perhaps a new generation of the M-B 90 degree V-6 will close the gap, but I doubt it.

However, if you like the BMW's performance but prefer the body and refinement of the C Class, get a C 230 K sedan instead. Sure it's a fair bit slower than the C 320, but it is, in a real sense, probably the best of both worlds. And when gas hits $4 per gallon, you'll be glad you have a more efficient engine.

Franco

You can't go wrong with either choice. You will appreciate the Benz more as a daily driver especially if your daily commute involves a lot of stop and go traffic. The C320 Sport is more refined and more luxurious than the BMW 330i. It is not however sportier. Your choice depends on the premium you place on the sport aspect of the equation.

FrankW

can't go wrong either way. however there is a performance pkg that gives the 330i sedan 10 more hp and some other goodies that rounds up to 235 hp. Sport pkg or the performance pkg is a definite must for 330i, otherwise it's ugly IMo.

In the long run, I have to say that MB will probably hold up better in value and etc, but if you don't plan on keeping the car for over 6-7 yrs it's not a factor.

Outland

You should have compared the sport model to the 330.

Either way, both are good cars. The 3series is getting really long in the tooth, so I'd take the Benz...but I'd get the C230 instead. A lot cheaper, and much better mileage.

J P

Luxury > C320
Performance > 330i

Aside from that, almost everything is equal: prestige, price, size, interior, reliability, & safety.

The difference, even in luxury & performance, is not big. People here give the 330i too little credit for luxury, & the C320 too little credit for performance.

I would get the C320 because the 3-Series will be redesigned in a couple of yrs. It definitely doesn't feel old, but it will once you start seeing a redesigned 3-Series on the streets in a few yrs.

Matt230K

Yes, and so is this debate.

It will never end, because everyone has a preference for one or the other.

heat010

Thanks guys for your honesty, especially since this is posted to Mercedes Benz sight.

Obviously you guys know your cars and your impartiality is refreshing.

Your insight will help me alot in making my decision.

C230 Sport Coup

Isn't the 330i a considerably more expensive car?
30 grand? yeh right. More like 40, no?

The C class is still a great deal no matter how yo slice it.
That was the clincher for me, it was at least 5k cheaper than a similarly equipped 3 series.

No regrets. Especially now, with springs and sways.

bagwell

1. C320 is more expensive than a 330i
2. quote "No regrets. Especially now, with springs and sways."---> not necessary with the BMW sport pkg becuz BMW knows the correct ride height for their cars !!

mctwin2kman

I looked at both the 325Ci and the C230K Coupe, and I was more impressed with the sales staff at the MB dealer than the BMW. Within 5 minutes I was handed the key to the Benz to look at it and drive it with no questions asked. I have stopped into the BMW dealer three times and all three was ignored even when I was looking at an M3 and drove in the C230 I now own. There are many 3 series where I live as well so that helped out as well. I still have only seen 2 othe C230 SC's in my area. My wife sees more than I do. It is all a matter of opinion though. I liked the way I was treated at the MB dealer, where I was not even treated in anyway by the BMW dealer. I like the fact I could get more bang for my buck out of MB, and still pay less for the vehicle. If you are not in it for the fastest vehicle of the two or the one that handles a hair better then the MB would be the choice. Of course if you want tighter handling on the MB you could just add the C32 sways for a few hundred dollars and if you want more power an underdrive pulley kit for it as well. Either way if you want to, you can beef up either for more handling and power. But it is really hard to change the interior design. So figure out which one you like better in the looks and comfort department.