05 C230 sedan or Acura TL
#126
Almost a Member!
Join Date: Nov 2001
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2002 c230 sport coupe six spd. C7
![Smile](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/icons/icon7.gif)
I too own both an Acura TL-S and a Mecedes.
Engine goes to Acura as well as a lot of standard features that costs an arm and a leg from Mercedes. The TL-S handles better than any other FWD I've driven but I think my C230 Coupe corners better. Paint is better on the Acura.
Reliabilty and reasonable maintenance costs go to the Acura. Good handling and favorable comments get the Mercedes.
I actually really like both cars. Either one is a great vehicle.
2002 C230 Coupe six speed Paprika
2003 Acura TL-S silver/ebony (very quick)
Engine goes to Acura as well as a lot of standard features that costs an arm and a leg from Mercedes. The TL-S handles better than any other FWD I've driven but I think my C230 Coupe corners better. Paint is better on the Acura.
Reliabilty and reasonable maintenance costs go to the Acura. Good handling and favorable comments get the Mercedes.
I actually really like both cars. Either one is a great vehicle.
2002 C230 Coupe six speed Paprika
2003 Acura TL-S silver/ebony (very quick)
#128
Almost a Member!
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Scottsdale, Arizona
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2002 996TT,2004 996 C2,2005 C230K
[QUOTE=ultraseven]I have a feeling DaCeptak0n believes that owning an E Class makes him/her higher up in social ladder compared with the C class 2nd class peasants.
With an E-class ?
With an E-class ?
![Roll Eyes (Sarcastic)](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/rolleyes.gif)
#129
Member
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Eastern Ontario
Posts: 165
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2001 ML320 E, 2003 C230K Sport Sedan
Originally Posted by mayday
I too own both an Acura TL-S and a Mecedes.
Engine goes to Acura as well as a lot of standard features that costs an arm and a leg from Mercedes. The TL-S handles better than any other FWD I've driven but I think my C230 Coupe corners better. Paint is better on the Acura.
Reliabilty and reasonable maintenance costs go to the Acura. Good handling and favorable comments get the Mercedes.
I actually really like both cars. Either one is a great vehicle.
2002 C230 Coupe six speed Paprika
2003 Acura TL-S silver/ebony (very quick)
Engine goes to Acura as well as a lot of standard features that costs an arm and a leg from Mercedes. The TL-S handles better than any other FWD I've driven but I think my C230 Coupe corners better. Paint is better on the Acura.
Reliabilty and reasonable maintenance costs go to the Acura. Good handling and favorable comments get the Mercedes.
I actually really like both cars. Either one is a great vehicle.
2002 C230 Coupe six speed Paprika
2003 Acura TL-S silver/ebony (very quick)
Soooo....first of all read the header, it's sedan against sedan.
Second - is it the fact that your front and rear bumper skin's paint doesn't match the rest of the car (they are about 2 shades different on most of the Acurii that I have seen) that leads you to believe the paint is better on the Acura?
Third - The platform on the Acura just is not there. There is just too much missing from it to compare. Ex. rear air bags, the junky gas cap release, the lack of an external trunk opener, etc, etc, etc. See my previous posts for more details.
I disagree with this comparison entirely ..... this is like comparing a sophisticated degreed sexy woman against sexy trailer trash. Guess which one can perform better, and which one is going to make more people smile dinner party.
I think a much better comparison is a well equipped Pontiac Grand Am against the Acura. They will end up in the same price range, and both have the same level of deficiencies.
By the way, has the Acura Transmission been recalled yet? You did hear about the recall?
Ed.
#130
Member
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Eastern Ontario
Posts: 165
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2001 ML320 E, 2003 C230K Sport Sedan
[QUOTE=SergC]
Is the C230 or the 996 the one the kids drive?
Originally Posted by ultraseven
I have a feeling DaCeptak0n believes that owning an E Class makes him/her higher up in social ladder compared with the C class 2nd class peasants.
With an E-class ?![Roll Eyes (Sarcastic)](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/rolleyes.gif)
With an E-class ?
![Roll Eyes (Sarcastic)](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/rolleyes.gif)
Is the C230 or the 996 the one the kids drive?
#131
Almost a Member!
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Scottsdale, Arizona
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2002 996TT,2004 996 C2,2005 C230K
Originally Posted by fasteddie
Is the C230 or the 996 the one the kids drive?
![Big Grin](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
My son (21 )is crying after driving the TT to go back to his a la rice Acura
#133
Member
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Vancouver, BC Canada
Posts: 79
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by fasteddie
Soooo....first of all read the header, it's sedan against sedan.
Second - is it the fact that your front and rear bumper skin's paint doesn't match the rest of the car (they are about 2 shades different on most of the Acurii that I have seen) that leads you to believe the paint is better on the Acura?
Third - The platform on the Acura just is not there. There is just too much missing from it to compare. Ex. rear air bags, the junky gas cap release, the lack of an external trunk opener, etc, etc, etc. See my previous posts for more details.
I disagree with this comparison entirely ..... this is like comparing a sophisticated degreed sexy woman against sexy trailer trash. Guess which one can perform better, and which one is going to make more people smile dinner party.
I think a much better comparison is a well equipped Pontiac Grand Am against the Acura. They will end up in the same price range, and both have the same level of deficiencies.
By the way, has the Acura Transmission been recalled yet? You did hear about the recall?
Ed.
Second - is it the fact that your front and rear bumper skin's paint doesn't match the rest of the car (they are about 2 shades different on most of the Acurii that I have seen) that leads you to believe the paint is better on the Acura?
Third - The platform on the Acura just is not there. There is just too much missing from it to compare. Ex. rear air bags, the junky gas cap release, the lack of an external trunk opener, etc, etc, etc. See my previous posts for more details.
I disagree with this comparison entirely ..... this is like comparing a sophisticated degreed sexy woman against sexy trailer trash. Guess which one can perform better, and which one is going to make more people smile dinner party.
I think a much better comparison is a well equipped Pontiac Grand Am against the Acura. They will end up in the same price range, and both have the same level of deficiencies.
By the way, has the Acura Transmission been recalled yet? You did hear about the recall?
Ed.
I actually like the "lack of external key-hole/release on trunk lid"... It makes the trunk lid smooth.... But I agree, chassis isn't as rigid as German cars... But don't get me wrong, it's not too shabby among Jap cars, and cornering can even be consider "good" consider its size and FWD lay out......
As for different shade of color on bumper, it seems to be very apparent on White Pearl..... A few Silver with 2-shade bumper, but not many.....
#134
"this is like comparing a sophisticated degreed sexy woman against sexy trailer trash. Guess which one can perform better, and which one is going to make more people smile dinner party."
Which one is the trailer trash?
And the answer to your question depends on the guests at the dinner party, right?
FYI - the 2003 and 2004 TL's are quite different cars, so a comparison of a 2003 to something else falls short of comparing it to the 2004.
You can compare the TL to the Grand Am in terms of price, I'll compare the C-class to a Oldmobile in terms of reliability... well, MB is working on making their cars as reliable as that.
EDIT: Ok, to be fair, the TL is not a beacon of initial reliability (made in America - go figure), and it seems to be dragging the brand down a bit. But Acura on a whole has a LONG long way to fall before it hits MB down in the pits.
Which one is the trailer trash?
![Smilie](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
FYI - the 2003 and 2004 TL's are quite different cars, so a comparison of a 2003 to something else falls short of comparing it to the 2004.
You can compare the TL to the Grand Am in terms of price, I'll compare the C-class to a Oldmobile in terms of reliability... well, MB is working on making their cars as reliable as that.
EDIT: Ok, to be fair, the TL is not a beacon of initial reliability (made in America - go figure), and it seems to be dragging the brand down a bit. But Acura on a whole has a LONG long way to fall before it hits MB down in the pits.
Last edited by vitocorleone; 07-23-2004 at 10:58 AM.
#135
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Philadelphia, PA/Naples, FL
Posts: 258
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
C320 Coupe
Originally Posted by vitocorleone
I'll compare the C-class to a Oldmobile in terms of reliability... well, MB is working on making their cars as reliable as that.
#136
Only a slight exaggeration, as Oldsmobile barely beats MB:
http://www.jdpower.com/awards/indust...ID=860&CatID=1
But definitely some good-natured sarcasm.
http://www.jdpower.com/awards/indust...ID=860&CatID=1
But definitely some good-natured sarcasm.
#137
Member
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Vancouver, BC Canada
Posts: 79
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by vitocorleone
"this is like comparing a sophisticated degreed sexy woman against sexy trailer trash. Guess which one can perform better, and which one is going to make more people smile dinner party."
Which one is the trailer trash?
And the answer to your question depends on the guests at the dinner party, right?
FYI - the 2003 and 2004 TL's are quite different cars, so a comparison of a 2003 to something else falls short of comparing it to the 2004.
You can compare the TL to the Grand Am in terms of price, I'll compare the C-class to a Oldmobile in terms of reliability... well, MB is working on making their cars as reliable as that.
EDIT: Ok, to be fair, the TL is not a beacon of initial reliability (made in America - go figure), and it seems to be dragging the brand down a bit. But Acura on a whole has a LONG long way to fall before it hits MB down in the pits.
Which one is the trailer trash?
![Smilie](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
FYI - the 2003 and 2004 TL's are quite different cars, so a comparison of a 2003 to something else falls short of comparing it to the 2004.
You can compare the TL to the Grand Am in terms of price, I'll compare the C-class to a Oldmobile in terms of reliability... well, MB is working on making their cars as reliable as that.
EDIT: Ok, to be fair, the TL is not a beacon of initial reliability (made in America - go figure), and it seems to be dragging the brand down a bit. But Acura on a whole has a LONG long way to fall before it hits MB down in the pits.
I am not trying to put down TL though, but I am trying to be as fair as possible....
P.S. Never believe any statistics... IMHO, they are as good as sales brochures.....
#138
Almost a Member!
Join Date: Nov 2001
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2002 c230 sport coupe six spd. C7
![Smile](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/icons/icon7.gif)
Reliability and Mercedes......? Suggest you read the latest issue of AutoWeek. In a comparison of a MB S500 and a VW Phaeton the MB had to be hauled off on a flatbed. That's a $90K vehicle.
My point. Reliability is not synonymous with Mercedes.
My point. Reliability is not synonymous with Mercedes.
#139
Junior Member
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Nowhere
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2001 C320 Sport
We own 2000 Acura TL and 2001 C320 Sport.
If I had to choose between a NEW TL and C class it
would take 1 msec to be at the Acura dealer.
Here is my current pro con based on our cars.
Acura:
Pros
Has been relieable (0 problems,nada) and cheap to maintain.
Good power AWESOME transmision compared to the MB auto.
Cons
More road noise then the MB, I hate noise.
Styling, we have the last model which is totally honda boring.
C320
Pros
Like styling.
Good power
I love the SPORTS suspension in our model, it is well balance between
sport and comfort.
It is really fun to drive, the size is awesome for four doors.
Cons:
I wonder each day if the windows are going to work.
Reliability not great, granted small things but it still wasted days of my time.
Transmission biggest POS.
Insurance in comparison to the Acura.
MB doesn't think the car should come with a dipstick. I bought the tool for $100.
If you are like me any probably many others, you want to own
a MB once in your life. In our case, it will probably be the
first and the last.
p.s. The new acura would smoke the C-class. 270 hp for acura vs what ?
Not including the AMG.
Best of luck.
If I had to choose between a NEW TL and C class it
would take 1 msec to be at the Acura dealer.
Here is my current pro con based on our cars.
Acura:
Pros
Has been relieable (0 problems,nada) and cheap to maintain.
Good power AWESOME transmision compared to the MB auto.
Cons
More road noise then the MB, I hate noise.
Styling, we have the last model which is totally honda boring.
C320
Pros
Like styling.
Good power
I love the SPORTS suspension in our model, it is well balance between
sport and comfort.
It is really fun to drive, the size is awesome for four doors.
Cons:
I wonder each day if the windows are going to work.
Reliability not great, granted small things but it still wasted days of my time.
Transmission biggest POS.
Insurance in comparison to the Acura.
MB doesn't think the car should come with a dipstick. I bought the tool for $100.
If you are like me any probably many others, you want to own
a MB once in your life. In our case, it will probably be the
first and the last.
p.s. The new acura would smoke the C-class. 270 hp for acura vs what ?
Not including the AMG.
Best of luck.
#140
Member
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Eastern Ontario
Posts: 165
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2001 ML320 E, 2003 C230K Sport Sedan
Originally Posted by vitocorleone
"this is like comparing a sophisticated degreed sexy woman against sexy trailer trash. Guess which one can perform better, and which one is going to make more people smile dinner party."
Which one is the trailer trash?
And the answer to your question depends on the guests at the dinner party, right?
FYI - the 2003 and 2004 TL's are quite different cars, so a comparison of a 2003 to something else falls short of comparing it to the 2004.
You can compare the TL to the Grand Am in terms of price, I'll compare the C-class to a Oldmobile in terms of reliability... well, MB is working on making their cars as reliable as that.
EDIT: Ok, to be fair, the TL is not a beacon of initial reliability (made in America - go figure), and it seems to be dragging the brand down a bit. But Acura on a whole has a LONG long way to fall before it hits MB down in the pits.
Which one is the trailer trash?
![Smilie](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
FYI - the 2003 and 2004 TL's are quite different cars, so a comparison of a 2003 to something else falls short of comparing it to the 2004.
You can compare the TL to the Grand Am in terms of price, I'll compare the C-class to a Oldmobile in terms of reliability... well, MB is working on making their cars as reliable as that.
EDIT: Ok, to be fair, the TL is not a beacon of initial reliability (made in America - go figure), and it seems to be dragging the brand down a bit. But Acura on a whole has a LONG long way to fall before it hits MB down in the pits.
Have you seen the New TL Yet? I took one for a test drive last week....it's a Honda in a 3 piece suit.
Ed.
#141
Member
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Eastern Ontario
Posts: 165
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2001 ML320 E, 2003 C230K Sport Sedan
Originally Posted by crackerm
We own 2000 Acura TL and 2001 C320 Sport.
If I had to choose between a NEW TL and C class it
would take 1 msec to be at the Acura dealer.
Here is my current pro con based on our cars.
Acura:
Pros
Has been relieable (0 problems,nada) and cheap to maintain.
Good power AWESOME transmision compared to the MB auto.
Cons
More road noise then the MB, I hate noise.
Styling, we have the last model which is totally honda boring.
C320
Pros
Like styling.
Good power
I love the SPORTS suspension in our model, it is well balance between
sport and comfort.
It is really fun to drive, the size is awesome for four doors.
Cons:
I wonder each day if the windows are going to work.
Reliability not great, granted small things but it still wasted days of my time.
Transmission biggest POS.
Insurance in comparison to the Acura.
MB doesn't think the car should come with a dipstick. I bought the tool for $100.
If you are like me any probably many others, you want to own
a MB once in your life. In our case, it will probably be the
first and the last.
p.s. The new acura would smoke the C-class. 270 hp for acura vs what ?
Not including the AMG.
Best of luck.
If I had to choose between a NEW TL and C class it
would take 1 msec to be at the Acura dealer.
Here is my current pro con based on our cars.
Acura:
Pros
Has been relieable (0 problems,nada) and cheap to maintain.
Good power AWESOME transmision compared to the MB auto.
Cons
More road noise then the MB, I hate noise.
Styling, we have the last model which is totally honda boring.
C320
Pros
Like styling.
Good power
I love the SPORTS suspension in our model, it is well balance between
sport and comfort.
It is really fun to drive, the size is awesome for four doors.
Cons:
I wonder each day if the windows are going to work.
Reliability not great, granted small things but it still wasted days of my time.
Transmission biggest POS.
Insurance in comparison to the Acura.
MB doesn't think the car should come with a dipstick. I bought the tool for $100.
If you are like me any probably many others, you want to own
a MB once in your life. In our case, it will probably be the
first and the last.
p.s. The new acura would smoke the C-class. 270 hp for acura vs what ?
Not including the AMG.
Best of luck.
Ed.
#142
Member
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Eastern Ontario
Posts: 165
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2001 ML320 E, 2003 C230K Sport Sedan
Originally Posted by mayday
Reliability and Mercedes......? Suggest you read the latest issue of AutoWeek. In a comparison of a MB S500 and a VW Phaeton the MB had to be hauled off on a flatbed. That's a $90K vehicle.
My point. Reliability is not synonymous with Mercedes.
My point. Reliability is not synonymous with Mercedes.
Well there you go already. Stupid *** Autoweek comparing the VW to an S class. These are the same guys that said they didn't like the Mercedes plasticy fake wood trim...it was far to cheep for a car of stature.
What did you expect...they can't figure out how to start the S!
There is no key!
They never put gas in it!
they never had the card in their hip pocket!
they had the wrong card!
it really wasn't an S it was a C.....I don't know, i's tough to tell the diff, the headlight look the same!
#143
Super Member
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Atlanta, GA
Posts: 560
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Lexus GS 450h
the TL is not an accord. the tsx is based off of the european accord. i don't like the tl because its plain. sure the horsepower is great but in an automatic it isn't much faster than a 230 anyway. i disagree with the comment about the 230 sounding like a kia. its a little louder than most 4 cylinders because its supercharged. and its meant to be sporty after all. it would be hard to compare the tl and c230. there much different vehicles. but i must say i traded my 2003 maxima se for one. and i absolutely love it. the maxima was a great and fast car but wasn't sporty at all. the c230 handles like a true german sports sedan and is extremely fun to drive. plus you can't compare the looks to the tl. good luck with the decision...
TSX=Euro Accord
CL=old accord platform and discontinued
TL=new accord platform, built next to the Accord in OHIO!
TL is a good buy for those that want to move up from Accords and desire this "value". What the hell is luxury and value doing in the same sentence?
1SickleX (sp?) - have you done the same search for issues with the C230 for comparison? How about posting it here so people can make a fair assessment? Generally speaking, Acura is a much more reliable brand (MB ranks below average and below Oldsmobile and Ford, etc).
I mean, don't you think EVERY car maker would stuff their 35k car with all those toys if there wasn't something to offset it? It's quality.
Why buy an unreliable Japanese branded car?
With Benz, we expect the car to break down. Comes with the territory. They also are built like tanks. And RWD cars are real cars. You dont see a Benz based on a Chrysler Cirrus do you?
#144
Member
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Eastern Ontario
Posts: 165
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2001 ML320 E, 2003 C230K Sport Sedan
Originally Posted by 1SICKLEX
I mean, don't you think EVERY car maker would stuff their 35k car with all those toys if there wasn't something to offset it? It's quality.
Why buy an unreliable Japanese branded car?
With Benz, we expect the car to break down. Comes with the territory. They also are built like tanks. And RWD cars are real cars. You dont see a Benz based on a Chrysler Cirrus do you?
Why buy an unreliable Japanese branded car?
With Benz, we expect the car to break down. Comes with the territory. They also are built like tanks. And RWD cars are real cars. You dont see a Benz based on a Chrysler Cirrus do you?
Actually, I am really starting to admire Daimler-Chrysler. They are designing platforms for their intended targets. Ex. the 300C, the Crossfire; and they are making good use of the upperscale parts. That is, rather than using a low-end platform and trying to graduate it upwards, they are using the many upper-end parts and putting then in the lower scale models. (If you can call 300c, and Crossfire lower scale - but then again, as apposed to Merc....). I think I be inclined to pick a 300C over an RL. And then again, I'm sure they are trying to gun down the Lexus and Caddy.
#146
Member
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Vancouver, BC Canada
Posts: 79
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
IMHO, what you lose in equipments(aka, buying a loaded C230), you gain in structure rigidity, RWD..... Seriously, Acura might be slightly more reliable than, say, MB or BMW or Audi... But there are quite a few small problems here and there..... Owners usually overlook those problems because it's already "bang for the buck", and problems are expected....
On the other hand, people who bought Mercedes/BMW/Audi expect the cars to be perfect, so they whine about how things are NOT perfect(by their own standards).... I have seen a owner of S600 asking dealer to "fix" the rear shade because it's "noisy" when going up/down.... Hm...
Every car has flaws, sadly.... Depends on what you value more.... More Oh-Ah gadgets, or well build/well designed structure...... I would take later....
P.S. In contrast to another member, my TLS would be my first AND last brand new Acura I buy......
On the other hand, people who bought Mercedes/BMW/Audi expect the cars to be perfect, so they whine about how things are NOT perfect(by their own standards).... I have seen a owner of S600 asking dealer to "fix" the rear shade because it's "noisy" when going up/down.... Hm...
Every car has flaws, sadly.... Depends on what you value more.... More Oh-Ah gadgets, or well build/well designed structure...... I would take later....
P.S. In contrast to another member, my TLS would be my first AND last brand new Acura I buy......
#147
Member
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Eastern Ontario
Posts: 165
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2001 ML320 E, 2003 C230K Sport Sedan
Originally Posted by mick1
Get a honda-benz hybrid ![rolf](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/rofl.gif)
![rolf](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/rofl.gif)
Ed.
#149
Member
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Eastern Ontario
Posts: 165
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2001 ML320 E, 2003 C230K Sport Sedan
Originally Posted by SergC
Naaah ! Kids (both )drive jap.
POS's
My son (21 )is crying after driving the TT to go back to his a la rice Acura
![Big Grin](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
My son (21 )is crying after driving the TT to go back to his a la rice Acura
You can only do your best when you raise them. Sometimes ...no matter what you do...they still can disappoint you. I think a lot of it has to do with the SH&T they pick up in schools these days.
Ed.
#150
Newbie
Join Date: May 2004
Location: South Florida
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2004 C230K Sport Sedan
Originally Posted by DaCeptak0n
With my taste, I oogle at a TL while I drive the E...
You had a typo in your post so I fixed it below...
"With my lack of taste, I oogle at a TL while I drive the E..."