w203 versus w204
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Newbie
Joined: Jan 2010
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From: Charlotte, NC
2007 C230 Sport
w203 versus w204
I'm new to the forum, hello everyone. I picked up a 2007 C230 about a month ago, and absolutely love it. It is currently at the dealership getting a new inside door handle under the factory warranty... so they gave me a loaner car. It must be a sales tactic because it is a 2009 C350, fully loaded.
I must say comparing the two, the C230 certainly isn't nearly as peppy, but I think it rides better, handles about the same and I like the interior more, it feels more spacious from the driver's perspective.
They certainly spruced up the interior with the w204, but besides for a few niceties (better looking vents, lighted window controls, more chrome trim) I like the w203 better. It feels more... traditional benz.
My only complaints about the w203 is a slight engine noise when idling (sounds like a helicopter in the distance, dealership said it was normal) and the lack of prewiring for a phone kit. Other than that I must say I'm rather impressed (came from a 98 e320 and several w126s) and the car is more comfortable to me by far than the newer model. I guess the w204 just doesn't look very benz to me, it kind of looks like a Mazda to be honest.
I must say comparing the two, the C230 certainly isn't nearly as peppy, but I think it rides better, handles about the same and I like the interior more, it feels more spacious from the driver's perspective.
They certainly spruced up the interior with the w204, but besides for a few niceties (better looking vents, lighted window controls, more chrome trim) I like the w203 better. It feels more... traditional benz.
My only complaints about the w203 is a slight engine noise when idling (sounds like a helicopter in the distance, dealership said it was normal) and the lack of prewiring for a phone kit. Other than that I must say I'm rather impressed (came from a 98 e320 and several w126s) and the car is more comfortable to me by far than the newer model. I guess the w204 just doesn't look very benz to me, it kind of looks like a Mazda to be honest.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2009
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From: Orlando, FL
2003 C320 4Matic
i agree and disagree with alot of that. I felt the inside of the W204 to be a little.. idk cheapish? it felt very plasticky and reminded me of the inside of my sisters scion. I love the instrument cluster though and wish i could swap out the one in my w203 for it, other than that though, i felt the car seemed light, and more like a toy than what a real benz
idk just my two cents, felt like i was driving a much cheaper car =(
as for the difference in the pep though, yeah it was an 07 C230 vs an 09 C350, thats expected
oh edit - forgot to praise the design, i love the front end, the new C class looks meannnn, the tail end however could use a shape up
idk just my two cents, felt like i was driving a much cheaper car =(
as for the difference in the pep though, yeah it was an 07 C230 vs an 09 C350, thats expected
oh edit - forgot to praise the design, i love the front end, the new C class looks meannnn, the tail end however could use a shape up
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Westwood, NJ
2004 Civic Si. FWD for the Win!
I'd have to agree with both of you. Every time I get a loaner (much more often than I would have wanted), I get in the W204, and want my car back. It's just a bit too feminine for me, and I HATE the idrive-type bs. Also, don't really understand a big radio control area, then the screen at the top. Now, that may make sense on for the Comand-equipped cars, but on the normal radio-equipped cars, it's just retarded.
Yes, the 230 is loud for a Benz. Just turn the radio up.
Yes, the 230 is loud for a Benz. Just turn the radio up.
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Joined: May 2003
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From: ChiTown
06 Carrera4
I would take a 203 interior and ride over a w204 any day. The radio and the enritre center is just fugly, even if you get one with Nav. plain, stupid fugllllllyyyyy. Don't know who thought it would look good.
However, i think w204 body does look much sharper.
However, i think w204 body does look much sharper.
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From: Atlanta, GA
2008 C300 Sport 6 Speed Manual, 1953 Chevy Bel-Air, 2015 Audi allroad, 1963 Chevy Apache
Due to what reasons...other than maybe the big, oversized, in your face, star on the front...
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2019 G70 6MT & 2022 Ford Maverick XL
I don't see the W203 or W204 having a "class" advantage. I like both, I just prefer the exterior design of the W203. The W204 (in my many drives) has never felt cheap. It feels much more solid and rigid than the 203, actually, but that has to do with it being a newer design.
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Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 296
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From: Fremont / Irvine, CA
07 c230 sport
lol i should elaborate. w204 looks more beastly...if you're into that.
my assesment:
w203 has nice curves like a coke bottle
w204 has nice lines and edges like...well i can't think of anything with edges that seem nice right now... maybe a knife? lol
but nonetheless the w204 a great car just not for me.
my assesment:
w203 has nice curves like a coke bottle
w204 has nice lines and edges like...well i can't think of anything with edges that seem nice right now... maybe a knife? lol
but nonetheless the w204 a great car just not for me.
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MB’s of all kinds.
The W203 is hands down a better C Class. I think its the only one they did right. The W204 looks amazing but the seats are not comfy at all and the intrior is cheap just like on the W202 Benz. The W203 rides better also and feels much more solid.
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Joined: Feb 2009
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2006 C350 Sport 6MT
I love both the w203 and w204. Honestly I love them all the w201, w203 and w204 (I even somewhat like the 202s as well. My all time fav has to go to the w201 Evo II 
Isn't she sexy??
Isn't she sexy??
Last edited by W203E35; Feb 11, 2010 at 10:23 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: NYC
2012 C300 4Matic
The wing is DISGUSTING. If we photoshop that off, then yes I agree with you, very nice looking car for its time!
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C240
I definitely like the W203 better, at least in terms of appearance. I have no doubt the W204 has a better engine/technology, and while it isn't a bad looking car, there's a certain class and refinement about the W203 I can't place my finger on but still love and adore everyday.
I'm actually toying with the idea of getting a C55 after this car even though to most casual observers, they look the same. I just love the 203 that much!
I'm actually toying with the idea of getting a C55 after this car even though to most casual observers, they look the same. I just love the 203 that much!
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Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Camas, WA
2007 C230SS; 2014 ML350 BT
That does not sound normal at all. The M272 equipped W203's are buttery smooth and dead quiet at idle. You may have a bad belt tensioner. They had a bad batch of tensioners that they replaced under a TSB. Have your dealer double check that.
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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
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From: Diamond Bar, CA
W206 PHEV AMG
one of my friend says she like my 203 better because it's modded more. LOL
but I still picked her up in the 204 because 21mpg avg is a big win over 16-17mpg.
but I still picked her up in the 204 because 21mpg avg is a big win over 16-17mpg.
Last edited by FrankW; Feb 12, 2010 at 06:11 PM.
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Joined: Apr 2006
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From: Seattle
w203 m112
I kinda have to agree w/ your friend when it comes to the mods. Whats the HP diff between your w203 and w204? and does that offset the fuel efficiency difference? ;P
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From: Westwood, NJ
2004 Civic Si. FWD for the Win!
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From: GA
2016 Chevrolet SS, 2006 Cadillac STS-V
I think the drivetrain on W204 just works much better than the W203, but everything else on the W203 is better. I don't like the interior at all in the W204, I think the design is strange in the radio and HVAC controls and the materials don't feel as nice as the W203. The exterior I only like directly from the front, but it looks kinda funny to me from the sides and back. When I had my C230, I rather liked the loaner C300 because of the extra power and the fact that the car would do what I wanted when I pressed the pedal whereas my C230 wouldn't, but now that I have my C55 I much prefer my car! 
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Joined: Oct 2009
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Saab 900 SE
I like the weighty feel that the W203 gives over the W204 even though the W204 is heavier, the stiffer springs make it feel lighter then it is.
Also the interior is cheaper feeling, the lack of multiple materials on the door trim and the dash and how odd the screen at the top is, and that stupid Idrive like thing, which leaves you confused if you reach for the console or the control all the time.
Looks wise I love both, Id take both in bright red and the W204 with a pano roof.
W204 looks great on the outside but the interior leaves alot to be desired in materials and complexity of design, the W203 has a good outside, but also a true quality interior. I think the new cars went a step down in materials and quality in the interior.
Also the interior is cheaper feeling, the lack of multiple materials on the door trim and the dash and how odd the screen at the top is, and that stupid Idrive like thing, which leaves you confused if you reach for the console or the control all the time.
Looks wise I love both, Id take both in bright red and the W204 with a pano roof.
W204 looks great on the outside but the interior leaves alot to be desired in materials and complexity of design, the W203 has a good outside, but also a true quality interior. I think the new cars went a step down in materials and quality in the interior.
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From: RO
'97 S600, '93 300SE, '98 CL500, '04 S320, '07 525D
If i have to choose between my modded w203 and w204, i would definitely go for the w203.
But if i have to choose between STOCK w203 and STOCK w204, i would go for the w204.
But if i have to choose between STOCK w203 and STOCK w204, i would go for the w204.
