MBMikey4

Let me start off my post by saying I am fairly new to the boards and this post will surely get me flamed.And I realize all thought's and opinions on this post will be biased toward M-B but I appreciate any and all responses.I guess I am a litttle wary of purchasing a German made vehicle after reading about various electrical problem's etc and I realize no car is perfect.Here are the 2 cars that I am considering for my new car purchase.
1.2005 C230Kompressor w/5-Speed Auto Trans,Sunroof Package,6-Disc CD-Changer,Midnight Blue.
Pro's
Excellent Fuel economy 24/32mpg
Rear Wheel Drive
Prestige Brand
Interior Fit and Finish are First Rate
Excellent Brakes
Con's
Vehicle is a little pricey.
Smallish Interior especially rear seat room area.
Prestige Brand.

2.2005 Subaru Legacy 2.5 GT Limited w/5-Speed Auto Trans vehicle is loaded out.
Pro's
250h.p 250ft lb
AWD
Reasonably priced compared to the M-B
Interior Fit and Finish is good
More Interior room
Japanese Reliability
Tunability
Cheaper to maintain
Con's
Fuel Economy- 19/25
Only adequate brakes
Niche Brand/Quirky
Small Dealership Network
Thought's and opinions are welcome please keep the flaming to a minimum,the pro's and con's are just my opinion.I am trying to decide between these 2 vehicles for my new car purchase and some people will of course say how can you compare a M-B to a Subaru.Sorry about the long post.Thank's
MBMikey4

elchinocache

test drive both cars and see which one you like. i personally would pick the mb because its a perfect size for me and the way it feels on the road is amazing (if you were in the market for and sti then i would have definitely picked the sti). THe interior noise is pretty low and it feels solid on the road. I have yet to drive a japanese car that has that feel on the road. if you want the power and the "reliability" go with the subaru. it all depends on your driving style and personal taste. Hope you make the RIGHT decision, but in the end what matters is that your happy with the car you choose.

trout

What are your goals for the car? How long do you plan on keeping?

BabyBenz6spd

If you don't mind the gas mileage. Get the Legacy GT..........its awsome! AWD, Turbo Power, leather interior.

Personally, I care for the gas mileage so I got C230 instead.

Guest0001

Get the Legacy GT if you value Power, bang for buck, AWD, fun factor

Get the C230k if you value safety, solid build quality,daily driving comfort, high speed cruising

MBMikey4

Trout,
I plan on keeping the car for 5 or more years,on average I drive about 20,000 mile's a year.My commute everyday roundtrip is 75 miles, of which highway driving is about 80%.I usually drive to where ever when I take vacation's in the US also. I just love to drive so the fun factor needs to be high and generally I usually get volunteered to drive by my friend's whenever we go out.I defiantly need something that's comfortable and is a good long distance cruiser.I hope this answer's your question.Thank's for the response.
MBMikey4

Sauceboy01

I to was considering the Legacy but after carefull throught and examination i ended up w/ my 05 w203 6speed. I used to own a WRX and I do like subaru, but after driving both cars and examining the aesthetic differences the Legacy just didn't do it for me. And for a few grand more you are driving a Mercedes after all.

-Danny

Outland

Subaru is one of those car companies trying desperately to change its image. I just don't think theyve got there yet. They build great performing machines, but alas, they are hideous to look at. Interiors are cheap. Detailing is poor. Content isn't there always either.

I wanted a WRX before I bought my coupe...but even after driving all I kept thinking was, man how can something that drives this good look and feel(to the touch) so homely? And back then, they were a one trick pony...

Interesting cars, just wierd. That could be the new Subie ad slogan...

And wierd isn't always bad. How bad do want to get your phreak on?

SaRiDi

I have had few Japanese cars before my 05 C230 SS. And I was debating whether get a powerful and AWD Legacy GT, or a luxury C230 SS. But after I test-drove the Legacy GT, I was just made up my mind immediately. Yes, Legacy GT has a strong chassis, 250hp, AWD, nice looking exterior, and best bang of value. But the interior is just a joke for me. It is not even up to par to my winter beater(2000 Neon). The Legacy I drove has rattles everywhere, and the material quality is the worst I have seen (except Impreza)........ but it's just personal preference, myself just can't live with any rattle, and I think the interior is the place you will look, smell, and touch most of the time when you with your vehicle. And I would like to appreciate my vehicle everytime I sit inside, rather than *****ing how bad this car is.
Just my $.02

littlemin

Hello, I currently have a Honda Accord and I usually have to turn the volume up pretty high when I'm on the freeway. I drive my mom's Lexus LS430 sometimes, and I loveeeeeeeeee how its so quiet in there and drowns all the noises out.

Is the C230 SS like that too?

Thanks!

rtking

I drove both cars (but the 2005 was the C230 coupe) when trying to decide what car to buy. The Legacy GT is a quick car and is fun, but don't expect fantastic mileage out of it. The chassis is strong and, when I went to Kiev, I saw Subaru Legacies everywhere. They handle the potholes and torturous roads well. The downside is that it's not quite as luxurious as the Mercedes (or my Audi) and there's actually a fair amount of roadnoise in the cabin.

The Mercedes isn't as quick but provides better mileage. The interior is more plush and is quieter too. Safety-wise, the Mercedes offers more airbags (8 airbags versus 6 in the Subaru.)

I think, since you said that you'd be keeping it for 5 years and you drive 20,000 miles a year, I'd suggest you look at the Subaru more closely. It's probably going to be a little cheaper to maintain overall (though you'll have a timing belt to change around 90,000 miles on the boxer motor) The Mercedes is a nice car but after warranty, any little thing might cost big money to fix.

Bob

P.S. I decided to go for a 2002 C230K SC for my fiancee.

trout

have you checked out the lexus is300? I know that my local dealer has a new 04 left, its loaded for 27800...thats a steal, thats a nice ride with unbeatable quality/reliablity.

S_kLaSse

Another thing.
Think of what key you will be holding. Mercedes Benz or Subaru.

BabyBenz6spd

Are you would probably get more looks from girls in a Mercedes than a Subaru

MBc230

I have a 2004 Accord EX V6 and the 2005 c230 SS. I've driven both cars on road trips already and surprisingly the MB has a much quieter interior with much less wind noise than the Honda, and even with its sportier suspension, I found the MB's to be much smoother ride than the Honda.

Don't get me wrong, I love Honda's too but I'll stick to my my MB for road trips and work commute with the Honda, plus you turn more heads on the highway

littlemin

I have the v4...and I find myself pressing the gas pedal all the way down and it still doesn't go anywhere!! I never test drove the C230 (will do so this weekend!!) That is why I always like to drive my mom's LS430, its smooth and fast (Its a V8, what do you expect?!)

How is the acceleration for the c230? what about the gas mileage compared to the accord?

trout

the c230 sport sedan feels Ok but remember it is a 4 cyl with only 189hp. Not built to be a fast racy car. That new 250 hp subaru will fly like crazy, but it does not have the nice hood emblem.

Guest0001

Honestly If it were up to me I would get the Legacy. More Power, Better handling, good looks at a fantastic price. C230 is nice but after awhile you will be wanting more from the engine and handling. This is how I feel about my 320, which is why I am going to sell it soon.

MBc230

Acceleration:
2004 Accord V6
2004 Accord V4
2005 c230 SS

At startoff, c230 is pretty much the same as the Accord EX V6 truthfully; compared to a V4 accord, the c230 beats it hands down.

At higher speeds, the Accord V6 picks up with a smoother response with advantage of a V6 but the c230 falls very close behind. V4 struggles at high speeds.

The V4 engine was loud and struggling for power each time I floored it. The Accord V6 is definitely much quieter (almost no engine roar at all ) with a smoother response with the v6-engine. The c230, given it is a 4-cylinder is noisy as well, but the sound is much more forgiving than a screeching 4-cylinder accord.

Gas Mileage: (about 80mph)

2004 Accord V6 - ~19mpg in city (to work), 27 mpg on hwy
2004 Accord V4 - ~24mpg in city (to work), 32 mpg on hwy
2005 c230 SS - ~22 mpg in city (to work), 30 mpg on hwy

These estimates are from my own experience with these vehicles. It's a toss up with which vehicle is better, depending on driving needs. Overall, I'd go with the Benz of course!

SaRiDi

If that's what you want, you should get a 350z or g35 coupe in this price range. After put on a decent set of rims and nice bodykit, that thing is a girl magnet

Guest0001

I dont think MB really appeals to younger girls Unless its an SL or CLK Cab. Most prefer 2 doors. Classier girls, somewhat older(25 and over majority of time) tend to appreciate MBs more, I prefer it that way. If she is younger than 25 and likes MBs she is definitely sophistcated and has good taste and is a keeper(unless she as high-maintenances as your car - NOTE: assuming she has attraction to YOU, rather than the car) Regardless if you have to buy a car for what a women will think about you then you need to readjust your priorites. First your needs, then if the ladies like its an added bonus.

By the way there is no damn V4. Its an I4.

MBc230

Calm down My mistake, its an I4, thanks for clarification...stay off the caffeine... :p

IAmJimBanville.

Have you considered the Lexus IS300? 3.0 I6 w/ 215HP. Same price as C230KSS. 6 year/70K mile drivetrain warranty & has standard Xenons. It gets poor gas mileage and its looks are dated, but stills looks better than any Subaru!