New C300 or Audi A4
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Joined: Apr 2005
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New C300 or Audi A4
I was looking to lease a new C300. Then I started thinking what about the new Audi A4? I can lease the C300 for pretty cheap. $3500 down at $317 per month for 39 months, car MSRP is close to $38,000. With discounts the car is being sold for a litle over $34,000 compared to the MB online lease special this is a lot less. But then I thought, well the A4's are pretty nice also. Their current lease promo is a lot less then what is MB's is so I think that I can get a better price on an Audi. I have been doing a lot of research on the Audi but I have never owned one (had lots of MB). So I'm not sure if it's even worth looking at. What do you guys think? thanks
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Joined: Feb 2009
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C300
I would almost go with the Audi because there are not alot of upgrades to choose from on the new c-class. The body kits suck, there are no superchargers or turborchargers and the upgrades are way over priced just because of the name mercedes. If I had to choose again, I would go with a BMW 3 series because there are endless options to choose from. Put it this way, Is there a c-class black series (No). Back in 1990 at least mercedes had a 190E evo II that was wide body like there DTM cars. The new c-class DTM car is awesome and why companies have not produced great options for this car is staggering.
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 393
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From: Boston, Massachusetts
2014 Mercedes-Benz E350 4Matic Sport
I would almost go with the Audi because there are not alot of upgrades to choose from on the new c-class. The body kits suck, there are no superchargers or turborchargers and the upgrades are way over priced just because of the name mercedes. If I had to choose again, I would go with a BMW 3 series because there are endless options to choose from. Put it this way, Is there a c-class black series (No). Back in 1990 at least mercedes had a 190E evo II that was wide body like there DTM cars. The new c-class DTM car is awesome and why companies have not produced great options for this car is staggering.
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 73
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From: Germany
211.020 - E 280 CDI
I would go for the Mercedes!! Great looking car and much better build quality. We had a similiar discussion over at germancarzone:
http://www.germancarzone.com/pit-gen...r-quality.html
http://www.germancarzone.com/c-class...9-audi-a4.html
Maybe this can help you…neverthless I would go to the dealer, make a testdrive etc…
http://www.germancarzone.com/pit-gen...r-quality.html
http://www.germancarzone.com/c-class...9-audi-a4.html
Maybe this can help you…neverthless I would go to the dealer, make a testdrive etc…
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 811
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From: Toronto, ON
2011 E350 4Matic Wagon, 2013 C350 4Matic Sedan
As you've said, you owned lots of Mercs. Maybe it's time to try another brand. 
. My personal opinion of Audi is not very high because we've had two A4's in the past 1998-2006 with some reliability isssues. All of the problems were electrical or cosmetic. However, I understand that those years were Audi's dark ages.
Have you considered the BMW 3-ser as well as the Cadillac CTS?
. My personal opinion of Audi is not very high because we've had two A4's in the past 1998-2006 with some reliability isssues. All of the problems were electrical or cosmetic. However, I understand that those years were Audi's dark ages. Have you considered the BMW 3-ser as well as the Cadillac CTS?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,601
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From: Atlanta, GA
2008 C300 Sport 6 Speed Manual, 1953 Chevy Bel-Air, 2015 Audi allroad, 1963 Chevy Apache
As always when this question comes up I have to state I have both a 2008 C300 and 2009 A4. The longer I have the Audi the more I have to say...it kinda sucks in comparison. Don't get me wrong, it's not a bad car...the 2.0 is strong and gets good mileage, the styling is great and it has a bit more room out back. There are just sooo many little half-backed things about the car it seems Audi should have put more time into the execution of the car and not just the style. Oh, and the legendary Audi reliablility.....I know the shop manager by name already....ugghhh.
Honestly, if you drive them back to back, I think there is no comparision...
Honestly, if you drive them back to back, I think there is no comparision...
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2008
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From: Atlanta, GA
2008 C300 Sport 6 Speed Manual, 1953 Chevy Bel-Air, 2015 Audi allroad, 1963 Chevy Apache
[QUOTE=len56;3680507]A4 has nicer looking gauges.
QUOTE]
Like I was saying about the little half baked things...The Audi's speedo goes to 180MPH and only covers about 2/3 of a full 360 degree sweep. Therefore, in everyday driving 0-60MPH only covers about 20-25% of the sweep. Way too small to be able to quickly glance and see how fast you are going. Also, the entire instument panel is tilted too far up. You cannot see the bottom portion of the gauges unless you lean up and forward...these are problems discussed in some of the Audi forums. Just seems like the whole car has way too many little issues like this...
QUOTE]
Like I was saying about the little half baked things...The Audi's speedo goes to 180MPH and only covers about 2/3 of a full 360 degree sweep. Therefore, in everyday driving 0-60MPH only covers about 20-25% of the sweep. Way too small to be able to quickly glance and see how fast you are going. Also, the entire instument panel is tilted too far up. You cannot see the bottom portion of the gauges unless you lean up and forward...these are problems discussed in some of the Audi forums. Just seems like the whole car has way too many little issues like this...
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Joined: Sep 2008
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From: Delaware
2004 Mazda6, 1993 RX7
We test drove both 08's ... both v6's performed well.
It appears new 2010 A4 is only available with 4 cyl turbo, which i found had a rough, cheapish idle.
-------------------------------
AFAIK the C300 v6 is port injected, while both newer Audi engines are direct injected. For the long haul (buyers vs leasers), direct injected engines may have severe fouling of valves and ports at high milage, due to egr and pcv action.
It appears new 2010 A4 is only available with 4 cyl turbo, which i found had a rough, cheapish idle.
-------------------------------
AFAIK the C300 v6 is port injected, while both newer Audi engines are direct injected. For the long haul (buyers vs leasers), direct injected engines may have severe fouling of valves and ports at high milage, due to egr and pcv action.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 4,781
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From: Boston
'05 A4 1.8TQM6
The never ending question, C-Class, 3-Series or the A4. While we all have our opinions of pros/cons for each model, its YOUR car in the end and what YOU want/like. Test drive both and see which you like better or suits you better. All cars have their issues, some maybe more than others. Both MB and Audi have had their share of problems (electrical, etc). FWIW, my '05 A4 has 125,000 miles on it and aside from normal maintenance, there have been 2 unexpected repairs. It's been quite reliable.
Plus, you're in the w204 forum lol...my money is on more votes for the w204. Of course it would be the opposite if you went to a A4 forum.
Plus, you're in the w204 forum lol...my money is on more votes for the w204. Of course it would be the opposite if you went to a A4 forum.
Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 166
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From: Bergen County, NJ
2009 c300 4matic
I also went thru the same comparison when buying my c, also thought about the 3series.. Went w/ the c cuz Im not really into bmw and in ths case Id rather have the v-6 instead of a turbo charged i4.. Also the base a4 wheels looked so awful atleast for 2009.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2009
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From: Toronto, Canada
09 C300S 4M
Don't ask a question in a biased forum. Read independent reviews and go DRIVE them both. Whatever anyone tells you, listen to yourself after you've driven both!
I drove both and I've always hated Mercedes but loved Audi. After getting out of the A4, it wasn't the car I always thought it was and the Benz was more than I ever thought it was.
I drove both and I've always hated Mercedes but loved Audi. After getting out of the A4, it wasn't the car I always thought it was and the Benz was more than I ever thought it was.
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From: Delaware
2004 Mazda6, 1993 RX7
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Dad - CL550, Me C350, Sista B8 A4
My sister has the A4 2.0T and I just got the C350.
Different cars IMO. but from the 2 days I've owned the car the fit and finish and the feel of the car is completely different in the mercedes. I don't know if its just the new car, but it feels so solid. Thats the only word I can use to describe it. Sitting inside (to me at least) I feel like I'm in more than an entry level car.
We have owned many mercedes, audi and bmw in my family. Not really biased here, cuz I still have an infatuation with audi.
Different cars IMO. but from the 2 days I've owned the car the fit and finish and the feel of the car is completely different in the mercedes. I don't know if its just the new car, but it feels so solid. Thats the only word I can use to describe it. Sitting inside (to me at least) I feel like I'm in more than an entry level car.
We have owned many mercedes, audi and bmw in my family. Not really biased here, cuz I still have an infatuation with audi.
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Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
The Audi is better finished (if built in Ingolstadt) The Benz is a better drive. Your choice. It's a lease so you don't intend keeping the car. Old Audi's are junk. MBs mellow with age and keep going.
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From: Atlanta, GA
2008 C300 Sport 6 Speed Manual, 1953 Chevy Bel-Air, 2015 Audi allroad, 1963 Chevy Apache
Member
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From: NJ/PA
'09 C300 Sport 4Matic Arctic White
The A4 2.0T Premium (base) and the C300 Sport (base, just ipod option) were my two final choices.
Materials, fit and finish were nicer in the A4. The base A4 has black trim around the windows which differentiates it between the higher trims; the C looks the same regardless of trim. This may not matter to you but looking at both cars in white, the C just looks more expensive with the chrome/silver bits. The A4 looked very "base" model.
I ended up with the C because the A4 without the sport suspension setup has a very "floaty" ride. The C felt lower (because it is) and more planted on the ground. Unfortunately, neither car handles like my old Subaru
Materials, fit and finish were nicer in the A4. The base A4 has black trim around the windows which differentiates it between the higher trims; the C looks the same regardless of trim. This may not matter to you but looking at both cars in white, the C just looks more expensive with the chrome/silver bits. The A4 looked very "base" model.
I ended up with the C because the A4 without the sport suspension setup has a very "floaty" ride. The C felt lower (because it is) and more planted on the ground. Unfortunately, neither car handles like my old Subaru
