OK, I am getting close to purchasing a car. I've narrowed it down to the C230K Sedan, Acura TL or TSX (yeah I know), and the BMW 325i(outdated). I like the styling of the Benz the best and so far the Benz is winning in my own points race. Such a sexy car.
Question is, how fun are these cars to drive? Car you spin the tires with the 6MT? It looked like they did in the commericial I had seen for the C230K. And how is the cornering, say in moutain roads? I have not test drove a 6MT, just an auto at the C-Spot event. Any info would be greatly appreciated?
Thanks

 

Not sure if you would be able to do burnouts in that C, but I'm sure it handles fairly well. Well enough, that is. If you like the manual, go with it.

Good luck in whatever your decision may be.

 

fun factor like hard driving i say get the BMW. i think though the C is a great driving car but not quite as much as the BMW. all around looks outside and in, and good handling, get the Merc.

dont get the acura.

 

i'd say get the benz. the current bmw 3 is going to be replaced soon and look at the post about an acura TL vs. c230 for that comparison.

about the burnouts, i don't think you can....i have a c320 and i can't even spin my tires. i have an auto granted, but i've never seen it done in any c-class except for the c32.

 

I love my benz but it definitely is not a fun car STOCK. But it can be fixed with Springs and sways. IF you want a stock fun car then look at the BMW. But then again MB is better in just about every way besides handling. Stock MB suspension is good for crusing and thats about it. Very comfortable. that being said stock handling is decent.

 

I would say the benz is the best all around but the bmw has the best "fun factor"

 

If you're looking forward to serious performance driving, I'd take a very good look at a combination sway-bar + cup-kit. That'll take care of your suspension needs for a LONG time. Since the engine puts down decent power stock, I'd do the suspension first (most likely tires as well), then start looking under the hood.

Must agree with HITMAN though. The BMW definitely has a strong presence in the "sporty" category. But at the same time I'll add that you won't be disappointed with a C230k, however.

 

From what I keep reading Cupkit is mostly for aesthetics? COs are a better choice IMO Im definitely getting some H&R Sway bars. Handling is good with the springs but there still plenty of roll.

 

Sways made a HUGE difference in my roll, even before I put in my springs. If not the cup-kit, a matched shock-spring set should do just as well. I didn't suggest COs because they're quite a bit more expensive than shock-spring or cup-kit, but if he has the money--by all means--spend away.

 

Its funny you ask about spinning the tires, just today I figured out how to get the car to go into dyno mode, a special mode that turns off ALL traction and brake assists, once u figure it out its not hard (turn the key to position 1, when all the idiot lights turn on, and then hit the trip reset button 3 times fairly quickly - you may have to play with the timing a little). Anyways, you can do endless burnouts and donuts with it off, I could do at least as good as my buddys GT mustang. I have it on video, maybe i shoud post it :v

Also - if you get the 04.5 or 05 sedan your handling will be better than any of the older C classes. The 04.5+ cars are 15mm lower in the front, 5mm lower in the rear and have thicker sways. I went from an 04 coupe to the sedan, huge difference in handling.

 

Buy a BMW, RSX Type-S, WRX, RX-8, or 350Z you'll be happier considering what you're looking for.

 

Exactly. From the list that the thread starter had, though, I'm not fully understanding what level of sportiness they're looking for. Those are all "grown-up" sport-y cars, not what I'd consider to be in the same class as the list that Taylor made.

The MB manny, while still a better option than the slushbox, isn't in the same league as the others - at least the pre-05 models. I haven't tried the new tranny yet, so I can't speak of any improvements that have been made.

 

it is much improved...read some of the reviews from the road tests conducted by popular and credible magazines.

 

my sways made a huge difference in my handling, i say get the C230 SS throw some sways on it, maybe AMG spring/shocks and call it a day.

 

I agree with taylor. If you want a car that is a fast, tire spinning machine go with the 350z. My brother has it and the car is a monster. It is really fast and it has unbelivable power. After a little work my brother's car has 330 HP. Thing is crazy.

 

MBs are old mans cars dont buy it!

 

Wow, thanks for all of the responses. I have also considered the WRX and some others, but the bling factor in the others just isn't there. Im not looking for a screamer or something to get side ways around corners, sorry if the orig. post was misleading. I would definitley get the BMW but it is being changed soon and I don't want to wait. So, I think I am going to test drive the 6MT this weekend and make a decision soon. Thanks again everyone.

 

i love my 6 speed. its not as smooth as the BMW 6 speed but i love mine. eitherway considering BMW styling Bangle-esque fiasco, personally i would wait for a 3/4 series.

 

If you want Bling, Luxury, and handling just get the C230k and upgrade the springs and sways. You will have a very nice Daily Driver and can go into curves with confidence. GL

 

sounds good to me.

 

Don't buy the Mercedes.

There's too many of them running around as it is, diluting the exclusivity factor.

 

wblynch, whats up with that. looking out for your own interests?

 

Yeah please dont get the mercedes

 

Take out a home equity loan and go for the E55. It's a lttle roomier than the cars you mentioned, I believe.

 

Yeah, but is is automatic... For lazy or old people...