amatlis

I'm planning to buy one or the other today so I could use some help. I would like to know which car is more fun to drive on the highway and in traffic. I'm comparing these cars stock, no modifications, with automatic transmission and just the Coupe versions. I've read some people say the C230k is more fun to drive with the manual but that it's sluggish with the automatic whereas the C320 is very peppy with the automatic. I've also read here that the C320 feels heavy because of the extra weight of the V6 engine whereas the C230k is lighter and more agile. I'm tempted by the fact that the C230k gets better gas mileage, but if the C320 has significantly better acceleration in traffic and still handles comparably to the C230k, then I would definately get the C320.

Thanks in advance!

TimmyC230boy

If it was me I would get the C320 coupe. The extra power will be worth it. The mpg shouldnt be that different, but the acceleration will be. If you find that the C320 doesnt corner as well as you wanted thats easily fixed, for under $200, with AMG sway bars. I know you said you dont want mods, but the s3ways are way worth it.
TP

Brunelleschi

I actually drove one of each last weekend (ended up buying a C240, but that is besides the point). I would definitley choose the C320. Numerically the hp might not appear that different, but you can really feel the difference when you drive one right after the other. The extra weight of the engine didn't make a noticeable different on the highway...but it might on a track.

MB-BOB

I second this observation... I drove both (one right after the other) at the C-Spot Drive Party here in Dallas. The C320 Coupe has substantially faster acceleration than the 230 Coupe. (A supercharger can only do so much to compensate for nearly 1/2 the displacement of the 3.2L). Besides, the normally aspirated 3.2L is not subject to ambient temp HP fluctuations, like the SC 1.8L.

I noticed no difference in handling capabilities, either. (And that's with standard 16" wheels on the C320, and C7 wheels on the C230).

With 22,000 miles on the odo, my C320 Sedan continues to get better and better mileage. My current tank is averaging 24.6mpg on my daily commute to/from work, while this morning's "after start" mileage was 26.7mpg. Your results will vary with your driving conditions. Expect substantially less for all stop and go traffic (19-21mpg range). My daily commute is an even mix of city and highway traffic over 17 miles, each way.

amatlis

For $200, I would definately consider it. Does it make a big difference and where could I get it? What other cheap mods should I consider getting?

Thanks!

C230K

I traded my C230 for the C320 and have never looked back, good choice. Think down the road will have a better resale value. go for it.

TimmyC230boy

you can actually get them from any Mercedes dealer. They are the stock parts on the C32. I dont have the part numbers handy, but if you serach you will find them. They will make the car flatter in the corners and respond quicker to turn-in. They do not make the ride any harsher.

Robert Schrader

You're planning to buy TODAY and you have not yet decided which one??

I'd say buy neither. You really aren't ready yet.

Get all the facts. Then test drive all the possible combos ( I4 vs V6, Manual vs Auto, C7 or not. ) Then decide. Then wait a few days. Then buy.

amatlis

I will test drive both (I've already test-driven the C230 and I liked it a lot). However, I'm driving a rental right now, so time is costing me money. I know I want the automatic. I will use my own jugdment ultimately, but I just wanted some outside opinion as to the driving performance of both cars with the automatic transmission.

Thanks.

Robert Schrader

With the auto, you'll definitely appreciate the extra torque of the V6.

trench

I concur with this assessment. There have been some complaints that the 1.8L is a bit too "peaky" for the automatic transmission.

breastroker

I was picking up my CLK grill for my C230 Coupe last night. Caliber Motors had 3 C320 coupes in stock, two with the C7 wheels. One Coupe, Black with dark leather interior had chrome C7 wheels. I was kind of dissapointed in the wheels looks, the chrome made them look smaller, or maybe the small rear disc rotors made them look small. The other coupe had 16 inch chrome rims, looked good. had heated leather seats, not necessary for sunny California:p

All were very nice looking cars