termigni

i've compared these two vehicles as i see them as my last contenders of my list. (specs from mbusa.com & bmwusa.com)

options included in both cars are:

-metallic paint
-sunroof
-xenon
-premium sound system

C230 vs. 325Ci (numbers listed respectively)

MSRP: $29,970 vs. $31,195
Total: $34,200 vs. $34,195
(comments: c230 is $5 dollar higher. i consider it as no difference
)

-Performance-
weight: 3250lb vs. 3197lb (53 lbs heavier but keep in mind that MB has 4 doors)

engine: 1.8liter i4 supercharged vs. 2.5liter i6 (i prefer i6 over i4 but never drove a S/C)

HP: 189hp@5800rpm vs. 184hp@6000rpm (MB is better cuz hp is higher and can get there before bimmer in rpm)

Torque:192@3500rpm vs. 175@3500rpm (MB is 17lb/ft better
:p )

Top speed: n/a vs. 128mph (thread from Code5Chick reads she's gone about 140mph in her MB? )

0-60: 7.2 sec vs. 7.1 sec (pretty close, not bad from an i4)

mpg: n/a ( i think they are almost identical though from what i read in the magzs but not sure)

these are the specs from manufacturer's data, they might be off in some areas.. however these numbers are pretty damn close.

I'll choose the 230 over 325 anyday because I think it looks better especially with the new stock AMG kit, performance is almost identical, new interior, oh did i mention MB has 6spd short throw? Also the Ci line-up will be replaced next year with brand new design. i don't know how long the C-class will stay but i'm guessing they'll stay for another 2 years or so. for the coupe lovers the bmw may be more appealing because it does look nice also. And 325 got the world-famous BMW handling. i haven't drove the 230 yet but i doubt it will be better than BMW. one more thing i have to mention is that everyone drives the 3 series, coupes and the sedans. and most of the time when i see a 3 series, they are driven by teenagers/high schoolers. I even had a 318is when i was junior in high school.

what does everyone else think about this comparison?

p.s. i picked the bmw coupe in this comparison instead of the sedan because i do not like the bmw sedan as it is ugly, and there are too many of them especially in NJ. (even the coupes are common to say the least)

amdeutsch

Don't let *KAIN* see this comparisson.

CitronC230K_03

i like the W203's over the E46's anyhow. just preference i guess. i do agree that that spec for spec your looking at the same car. take an Audi A4 with the 1.8T, basically the same car as well with same availbale options.some will havea preference for brand, some will look for what they can get for the money, some will look for over styling.

taylor192

You forgot this comparison:

MB Driver: typical businessmen, gentlemen
BMW Driver: women, lawyers, car salesmen

That alone is enough for me!

Buellwinkle

Don't forget to factor in the $1,500 c-spot coupon on the MB. Also MB dealers discount a lot more than BMW dealers.

Guest0001

C Class is ALOT better car when it comes to:

Exterior appearance
Interior appearance
Saftey
Luxury

To me it was a no-brainer.

amdeutsch

If you can find one reasonably.

CitronC230K_03

thats true c-spot coupons are getting pricey, but if someone is seriously looking. even if you paid $500 for one, your still saving $1000. you'd have to be really serious and ready to buy if you were in that situation.

r_liebo

Posted this before, but just traded in my 325ci sport for c320 sport. 325 was more fun to drive, handled better, and from my experience, much better built (no unscheduled dealer trips in 2+ years ownership, 4 so far in 6 months in the MB). IT has a better engine than the 230 as well (BMWs in-line sixes are as good as it gets).
Other than the above, MB wins in all other areas. Much prettier design, more luxury, better ride, quieter cabin, more features, less commonplace, MUCH better dealer service.

Both cars have their place. If you love to drive hard and don't drive other folks around alot, perhaps 325 is a better choice. If you like a better balance between ride, luxury, exclusivity and performance, go MB.

One more thing to consider -- BMW offers more interior choices with exterior colors in their sport models. May not matter to you, but I was really bummed I couldn't get a natural brown leather or equivalent with my granite grey c320 (without shelling out big bucks).

CitronC230K_03

great points of view you provide between the two marques.

Guest0001

Blah Blah, If one wants to drive he would drive a Subaru, Porsche, or M3. i respect the M3, I dont think there is anything special for a non M 3 series.

TNblkc230wz

It's all a mater of personal preference, I'll take the C230 over the BMW, or Audi. It is the best daily driver with good handling.

Guest0001

Nothing beats Mercedes for a daily Commute.

W0n6_3d4n

You really need to drive those new s/c engine, it's sweeet. I drove a C200K, and i love it, the pick up is amazing. I'd love to drive the C230K. One thing i like better in Merc, the power is very controllable, i' used to own 325 sedan, there's sth about it i don't really like.

CitronC230K_03

i agree with that!

Jon200

agree

Jon200

A strange comparison

go with the Merc

MBToGoNow

Post a MB vs BMW question on a Mercedes board and everyone will tell you to MB is better (which is the case here). Post the same question on a BMW board such as e46fanatics.com and they'll tell you BMW is better.

But since your MB is already on order, then you've already made up your mind, so I'm not sure what your point is to post here other than to get fellow MB owners to pat you in the back for a good choice. So... pat, pat, pat.

Guest0001

Well yeah there will be some bias Just a little...

Yang1815

go ask the same question on a jap car forum and they'll jump you

FrankW

one of my friend just got a 04/05 325Ci. She loves it. I haven't seen it cuz she just got it. I'm gonna call her up in couple days to see if i can test drive her new car.

somehow I feel it's pretty much going to be the same as my old 2000 328Ci.