BercedesMenz

performance-wise, how would you compare the C230 Kompressor sedan (automatic) to an Audi A4 3.0 (fwd, auto.)??

PC Valkyrie

The A4 3.0 would win in acceleration. Not sure about handling if you got the Audi Sport suspension and compared to the C230 sport suspension.

I own an A4 1.8 T Quattro with the sport package. Drives like it's on rails. It can outhandle my C240 (non-sport suspension) easily.

BercedesMenz

yea i have a 1.8T A4, and im wondering what to get next within the next 3 months (C320 coupe, C230K sedan, or A4 3.0)... do u ever go to audiworld.com?

Jkw

BercedesMenz,
I don't know about the Automatic, But I've recently been in a A4 w/manual and that was a lot of fun to drive. But the inside of the A4 looks like a Jetta!
Go with the Kompressor!!
Jkw

PC Valkyrie

It really depends what you value. If you want more bang for the dollar, get the A4 3.0. I actually think the Audi interior is VERY nice and more solidly built than C-class interiors.

I see you that you are considering various cars in different price and performance ranges.

The C320 coupe would outaccelerate the C230 K sedan. But the Audi A4 3.0 sedan would outaccelerate the C230 K sedan. Comparing the C320 sedan with the A4 3.0 would be more appropriate.

Of the 3 choices you had listed, the C320 Coupe would be the fastest. I think the Audi Sport Suspension would outhandle the Mercedes Sport Suspension.

However, nothing beats the intangible feeling of driving a car with the 3 pointed star!!

electromethod

if memory serves me correctly, this topic has been beaten to death on this board. DO a search and you might get a lot more info.

Buellwinkle

The MB's are very expensive to own as they have terrible resale value. Look at 2003 C230's trade-in value in KBB, you'll see that they are barely worth 19K with leather, sunroof and automatic. That car was $33K when new, about the same as a comperable Audi A4 3.0.

What I'm thinking for me as I'm starting to need a 4 door more often is to get a 2003 C230 for cheap at auction. The only thing that bugs me is that my 2002 C230 is soooo much faster, I don't know if I can deal with it. Just wish someone would get an affordable pulley kit for it. On the otherhand, the A4 1.8L can be easily chipped to outperform the V6.

amdeutsch

Careful here EM. In this thread he didn't like my comment. On top of this he is running another thread with a different comparisson.

TNblkc230wz

The Audi A4s are not that fast. Yes the 3.0 auto would be faster, but not much. The MB should get much better gas mileage. They are both good cars. Ultimately I choose the MB over the Audi.

TNblkc230wz

The Audi sport suspension is much stiffer than the MB's but it will not out handle it, even with Quattro. They are very comparable. Drive them back to back.

The C320/C230 is a fun car decent handling and will hold it's own at the auto cross track. I believe the C320 and the A4 3.0 are in the same class (D-Stock) which means they are performance equals. It is also the same class as a GTI VR6 and RSX type S

Sponger

If you're gonna get the Audi, make certain you get the Ultra Sport package. I was at the Audi dealer last week and it's a nice lookin' car.

VirtueTek

I was thinking about getting a chip for my 2004.5 C230 K sedan from EvoSport but was worried about losing my warranty.

From what it seems on these boards most people just don't care. I'm curious to find out if you all just say screw the warranty and buy the chips...or do you wait until your warranty is up before installing the chip?

Thanks.

HITMAN

shouldnt you do

1.8t audi vs. the c230 kompressor

and the 3.0 audi vs. the c320

r_liebo

Personally, I'd never chip a car in warranty (except BMW with Dinan chips, which are offered through the dealer and have no effect on warranty). Go to AudiWorld.com and you can read the many horror stories of blown chipped 1.8s and voided dealer warranties.
Audi used to offer the chips themselves through the dealers many years back, but so many engine problems developed they stopped doing so and also started voiding many a warranty.

When you talk about cars like the MB and Audi, with questionable build quality to begin with, adding a chip to boost turbo/supercharger pressure to a warrantied car is playing with fire.

BercedesMenz

i compare the A4 3.0 and the C230K because of price...they're about the same (sticker price), a C320 Sport is about $38, while an A4 3.0 & C230K is just over $34

LorinserCClass

If thats the case then of COURSE the Audi will win hands down. I had an A4 3.0 Cab and the HP was friggin great, handling was GREAT, interior was great. If you compare engine wise C320 to A4 3.0 I would take the C320. I find it more responsive and reliable than the STOOPID CVT on the Audi's. Either way HONESTLY you cannot go wrong these days on either car...only thing certain is electrical gremlins on both cars