C300 vs. 328i vs. IS250...or C350???
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 148
Likes: 0
From: Rancho Cucamonga, CA
gets me from point A-B
C300 vs. 328i vs. IS250...or C350???
Hey guys, well i decided that once the lease is up on my IS250, im going to upgrade to one of the cars mentioned above, but i have a few concerns:
1) How much faster is the C300 than an IS250? or a 328i? I hear a lot of people saying C300 is slow...probably never drove IS250 which is slow as F*!K
2) From a price to value ratio, which car is better if i ONLY WANT P1 on the C classes? on the website i built both, and C300 w/ auto and P1 comes out to 37k...and the 350 is 39k, and already includes P1...300 overpriced?
3) How much bigger is the C class than an IS? backseat actually useful or worthless like my IS's? what about compared to a 3 series?
1) How much faster is the C300 than an IS250? or a 328i? I hear a lot of people saying C300 is slow...probably never drove IS250 which is slow as F*!K
2) From a price to value ratio, which car is better if i ONLY WANT P1 on the C classes? on the website i built both, and C300 w/ auto and P1 comes out to 37k...and the 350 is 39k, and already includes P1...300 overpriced?
3) How much bigger is the C class than an IS? backseat actually useful or worthless like my IS's? what about compared to a 3 series?
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 64
Likes: 0
From: Southbay
'86 190E, '93 CAMRY V6 XLE, '94 626-LXV6, '96 328is, '09 C350
1) How much faster is the C300 than an IS250? or a 328i? I hear a lot of people saying C300 is slow...probably never drove IS250 which is slow as F*!K
driven C300, 328i and IS250, all automatic.. C300 is a better car compares to IS250.. more HP 228 vs 204.. more torque 221 vs 185 and little bit more roomier... 328i is a more agile car.. but its stiffer on the any road surface than C300 plus its a lot more expensive if equip with compairable options..
2) From a price to value ratio, which car is better if i ONLY WANT P1 on the C classes? on the website i built both, and C300 w/ auto and P1 comes out to 37k...and the 350 is 39k, and already includes P1...300 overpriced?
If I were you.. I would bite the bullet and get a bigger engine.. But that just me.. i think in the long run.. bigger engine equals more fun.. but that also accounts for more gas station visit...
3) How much bigger is the C class than an IS? backseat actually useful or worthless like my IS's? what about compared to a 3 series?
After trying IS in the backseat.. that is what really turns me off. C has more usable backseat but not by a big margin.. if Backseat is really important.. than G37 sedan might be a better choice.. 3 Series is about the same as C class but the rear seat is more inclined but softer.. not really know if they are good for long trips..
Hope this helps...
driven C300, 328i and IS250, all automatic.. C300 is a better car compares to IS250.. more HP 228 vs 204.. more torque 221 vs 185 and little bit more roomier... 328i is a more agile car.. but its stiffer on the any road surface than C300 plus its a lot more expensive if equip with compairable options..
2) From a price to value ratio, which car is better if i ONLY WANT P1 on the C classes? on the website i built both, and C300 w/ auto and P1 comes out to 37k...and the 350 is 39k, and already includes P1...300 overpriced?
If I were you.. I would bite the bullet and get a bigger engine.. But that just me.. i think in the long run.. bigger engine equals more fun.. but that also accounts for more gas station visit...
3) How much bigger is the C class than an IS? backseat actually useful or worthless like my IS's? what about compared to a 3 series?
After trying IS in the backseat.. that is what really turns me off. C has more usable backseat but not by a big margin.. if Backseat is really important.. than G37 sedan might be a better choice.. 3 Series is about the same as C class but the rear seat is more inclined but softer.. not really know if they are good for long trips..
Hope this helps...
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,601
Likes: 28
From: Atlanta, GA
2008 C300 Sport 6 Speed Manual, 1953 Chevy Bel-Air, 2015 Audi allroad, 1963 Chevy Apache
After trying IS in the backseat.. that is what really turns me off. C has more usable backseat but not by a big margin.. if Backseat is really important.. than G37 sedan might be a better choice.. 3 Series is about the same as C class but the rear seat is more inclined but softer.. not really know if they are good for long trips..
Hope this helps...
Hope this helps...
The IS has the least room and the 3 Series and C Class are pretty close. I am 6' 1" and I have had a guy 5' 8" sit behind me....granted I was up a little close to the wheel/pedals, it worked to get across town.
As far as acceleration, the C300 is much more powerful down low so really steps away from a stop much better than the IS250 and continues on stronger from there. As far as 300 vs. 350, you will have to drive them booth and see if a bit more power is worth $2,000 to you.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5,113
Likes: 57
From: Southwest USA
Another round of ICE
I noticed your sidebar says you drive to get from point A to point B, so I assume you're not overly enthusiastic about driving. So, don't just look at 0-60 times...check where the peak torque is. "Feel" is usually better for vehicles which deliver fairly flat/linear torque or at least deliver max torque somewhat lower in the rpm range. That's what gives you the "off the line" feeling, regardless of actual time to speed. A characteristic which many folks like about the 300 is how well it "pulls" across the rev range, which means you don't have to wait for high engine speed to find torque. Bottom line, don't just compare specs....drive them and see what feels good to get you to Point B.
Also, we routinely carry 2 adults in the back of the C. No complaints so far.
Also, we routinely carry 2 adults in the back of the C. No complaints so far.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 148
Likes: 0
From: Rancho Cucamonga, CA
gets me from point A-B
I noticed your sidebar says you drive to get from point A to point B, so I assume you're not overly enthusiastic about driving. So, don't just look at 0-60 times...check where the peak torque is. "Feel" is usually better for vehicles which deliver fairly flat/linear torque or at least deliver max torque somewhat lower in the rpm range. That's what gives you the "off the line" feeling, regardless of actual time to speed. A characteristic which many folks like about the 300 is how well it "pulls" across the rev range, which means you don't have to wait for high engine speed to find torque. Bottom line, don't just compare specs....drive them and see what feels good to get you to Point B.
Also, we routinely carry 2 adults in the back of the C. No complaints so far.
Also, we routinely carry 2 adults in the back of the C. No complaints so far.
HAHAHA well the reason why my sig says that is because im sick and tired of driving slow boring cars. But honestly guys, is there a HUGE difference b/w the 300 and the 350? i know for a fact that with a 350, i wont lose to a rav 4 on the freeway on ramp. And i just checked the mbusa website and was shocked at the EPA mpg ratings...18/25 for the C300 and 17/25 for the C350? so, basically with a .5 liter bigger engine and 40 extra hp/tq, you only lose 1 mpg in the city
? Then a C300 is a gas hog for the power numbers...328i gets 19/28 with similar numbers...now that i bring gas prices into focus, the C class really doesnt look too promising 
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 148
Likes: 0
From: Rancho Cucamonga, CA
gets me from point A-B
1) How much faster is the C300 than an IS250? or a 328i? I hear a lot of people saying C300 is slow...probably never drove IS250 which is slow as F*!K
driven C300, 328i and IS250, all automatic.. C300 is a better car compares to IS250.. more HP 228 vs 204.. more torque 221 vs 185 and little bit more roomier... 328i is a more agile car.. but its stiffer on the any road surface than C300 plus its a lot more expensive if equip with compairable options..
2) From a price to value ratio, which car is better if i ONLY WANT P1 on the C classes? on the website i built both, and C300 w/ auto and P1 comes out to 37k...and the 350 is 39k, and already includes P1...300 overpriced?
If I were you.. I would bite the bullet and get a bigger engine.. But that just me.. i think in the long run.. bigger engine equals more fun.. but that also accounts for more gas station visit...
3) How much bigger is the C class than an IS? backseat actually useful or worthless like my IS's? what about compared to a 3 series?
After trying IS in the backseat.. that is what really turns me off. C has more usable backseat but not by a big margin.. if Backseat is really important.. than G37 sedan might be a better choice.. 3 Series is about the same as C class but the rear seat is more inclined but softer.. not really know if they are good for long trips..
Hope this helps...
driven C300, 328i and IS250, all automatic.. C300 is a better car compares to IS250.. more HP 228 vs 204.. more torque 221 vs 185 and little bit more roomier... 328i is a more agile car.. but its stiffer on the any road surface than C300 plus its a lot more expensive if equip with compairable options..
2) From a price to value ratio, which car is better if i ONLY WANT P1 on the C classes? on the website i built both, and C300 w/ auto and P1 comes out to 37k...and the 350 is 39k, and already includes P1...300 overpriced?
If I were you.. I would bite the bullet and get a bigger engine.. But that just me.. i think in the long run.. bigger engine equals more fun.. but that also accounts for more gas station visit...
3) How much bigger is the C class than an IS? backseat actually useful or worthless like my IS's? what about compared to a 3 series?
After trying IS in the backseat.. that is what really turns me off. C has more usable backseat but not by a big margin.. if Backseat is really important.. than G37 sedan might be a better choice.. 3 Series is about the same as C class but the rear seat is more inclined but softer.. not really know if they are good for long trips..
Hope this helps...
The G37 is niceee, but only in coupe form. Sedan looks boring, not much different than an altima
Trending Topics
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 4,856
Likes: 4
02 C32 AMG
test drive them both at a dealership or something. you will see the difference.
the 328i will handle a little better, but i prefer the looks of the MB and the interior. never have been a fan of the BMW dash
and i test drove an IS250 as well.....i punched it with the salesman in the car and i said....."is that it?" i maintain that is one of THE slowest accelerating new cars out there. i was shocked, especially after having test driven an IS350 (i know, different motor, by far)
the 328i will handle a little better, but i prefer the looks of the MB and the interior. never have been a fan of the BMW dash
and i test drove an IS250 as well.....i punched it with the salesman in the car and i said....."is that it?" i maintain that is one of THE slowest accelerating new cars out there. i was shocked, especially after having test driven an IS350 (i know, different motor, by far)
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 148
Likes: 0
From: Rancho Cucamonga, CA
gets me from point A-B
test drive them both at a dealership or something. you will see the difference.
the 328i will handle a little better, but i prefer the looks of the MB and the interior. never have been a fan of the BMW dash
and i test drove an IS250 as well.....i punched it with the salesman in the car and i said....."is that it?" i maintain that is one of THE slowest accelerating new cars out there. i was shocked, especially after having test driven an IS350 (i know, different motor, by far)
the 328i will handle a little better, but i prefer the looks of the MB and the interior. never have been a fan of the BMW dash
and i test drove an IS250 as well.....i punched it with the salesman in the car and i said....."is that it?" i maintain that is one of THE slowest accelerating new cars out there. i was shocked, especially after having test driven an IS350 (i know, different motor, by far)
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5,113
Likes: 57
From: Southwest USA
Another round of ICE
HAHAHA well the reason why my sig says that is because im sick and tired of driving slow boring cars. But honestly guys, is there a HUGE difference b/w the 300 and the 350? i know for a fact that with a 350, i wont lose to a rav 4 on the freeway on ramp. And i just checked the mbusa website and was shocked at the EPA mpg ratings...18/25 for the C300 and 17/25 for the C350? so, basically with a .5 liter bigger engine and 40 extra hp/tq, you only lose 1 mpg in the city ? Then a C300 is a gas hog for the power numbers...328i gets 19/28 with similar numbers...now that i bring gas prices into focus, the C class really doesnt look too promising
? Then a C300 is a gas hog for the power numbers...328i gets 19/28 with similar numbers...now that i bring gas prices into focus, the C class really doesnt look too promising Sorry I misunderstood! Some more info by the way....my real world mpg, although I drive a stick....about 21-22 city, although higher in some city situations...28-30 highway. BUT...this will all come down to driving....go put your butt in seats!
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 148
Likes: 0
From: Rancho Cucamonga, CA
gets me from point A-B
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5,113
Likes: 57
From: Southwest USA
Another round of ICE
Just so you know I'm not kidding...here's what happened one morning when I decided to take it easy a bit in my surburban streets commute. Only about the last 2 miles are highway. Note the average speed, time, and distance. This was my best ever commute, so I snapped it with my cell phone. Pure highway does better.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 4,856
Likes: 4
02 C32 AMG
hahah tell me about it, ive been suffering with it for 2 years now...matter of fact i was overtaken by a rav 4 on the freeway ramp. Well, how big of a difference in acceleration is there from IS250 to C300? Huge, noticeable, or just a little bit faster? Im tired of losing to rav 4's
now the C350 is a huge difference i think. you'd really like that.
dealerships are all about people coming to test drive cars right now b/c some of the highend places cant move cars. test them both out and find out for yourself!
and as far as epa ratings, you can definitely beat them. for my car (c32) its 15 city, 21 highway, for combined 17. depending on how you drive your car, acceleration style, and at what speeds you go, you can drastically alter your fuel efficiency. i've seen 26 on the highway when going 65 but 21 at 75. and when i drive conservatively on the streets, i see 17, but when i drive aggressively, well, thats well below 15 lol.
Last edited by jturkel; Aug 29, 2009 at 05:03 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,075
Likes: 15
'18 C63A Cabriolet
A year ago I got a bare bones 350 (MSRP $37,700) for just a hair over $30K, brand new. Best bang for the buck of any car I've ever purchased with the exception of a Mini Cooper S I had for a few years. That car was big time fun and I stole it from the prior owner, hence the bang/buck.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 4,856
Likes: 4
02 C32 AMG
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 518
Likes: 2
From: Orange County, CA
E350
IMHO, if you only drive a vehicle to get from point "A" to "B", and you NEVER have the desire to accelerate fast or do performance driving, and you are on a VERY STRICT budget, then the C300 should be enough for you.
But if you like to have "fun" while you drive your vehicle, and from time-to-time you have a desire to accelerate fast or do performance driving, and can spare and extra $2,000, I HIGHLY SUGGEST you get the C350. Honestly, you will be surprised how much difference there is between the two cars performance-wise.
Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 100
Likes: 2
From: Baton Rouge, LA
2009 C300 Luxury
Here's the whole BMW/Mercedes argument summed up nice and easy...
BMW for driving experience, Mercedes for the ride. I can't comment on the C350, but the C300 offers a better ride and more space than the 328i. If you're into the "go fast" or "punch it every chance you get" stage in your life, then the 328i might be the better car for you. But if you're just looking for a comfortable cruiser to get around town and such in...then go with the C Class. Bottom line: 328i for fun (335i is more exhilarating), C Class for a good ride.
I know people say the C300 doesn't have passing power on the interstate etc. etc. but quite frankly, as long as you aren't trying to pass someone going 100 then you'll be fine. Definitely enough power for "get up and go" situations, but you won't be winning any stoplight to stoplight drags anytime soon.
Side note: Don't know why people bought the C300 expecting to turn it into a race car...take the 35-40K and spend it on several of the other cars out there that will outrun/outperform the C every day of the week.
BMW for driving experience, Mercedes for the ride. I can't comment on the C350, but the C300 offers a better ride and more space than the 328i. If you're into the "go fast" or "punch it every chance you get" stage in your life, then the 328i might be the better car for you. But if you're just looking for a comfortable cruiser to get around town and such in...then go with the C Class. Bottom line: 328i for fun (335i is more exhilarating
), C Class for a good ride.I know people say the C300 doesn't have passing power on the interstate etc. etc. but quite frankly, as long as you aren't trying to pass someone going 100 then you'll be fine. Definitely enough power for "get up and go" situations, but you won't be winning any stoplight to stoplight drags anytime soon.
Side note: Don't know why people bought the C300 expecting to turn it into a race car...take the 35-40K and spend it on several of the other cars out there that will outrun/outperform the C every day of the week.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,601
Likes: 28
From: Atlanta, GA
2008 C300 Sport 6 Speed Manual, 1953 Chevy Bel-Air, 2015 Audi allroad, 1963 Chevy Apache
IMHO, if you only drive a vehicle to get from point "A" to "B", and you NEVER have the desire to accelerate fast or do performance driving, and you are on a VERY STRICT budget, then the C300 should be enough for you.
But if you like to have "fun" while you drive your vehicle, and from time-to-time you have a desire to accelerate fast or do performance driving, and can spare and extra $2,000, I HIGHLY SUGGEST you get the C350. Honestly, you will be surprised how much difference there is between the two cars performance-wise.
But if you like to have "fun" while you drive your vehicle, and from time-to-time you have a desire to accelerate fast or do performance driving, and can spare and extra $2,000, I HIGHLY SUGGEST you get the C350. Honestly, you will be surprised how much difference there is between the two cars performance-wise.
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 64
Likes: 0
From: Southbay
'86 190E, '93 CAMRY V6 XLE, '94 626-LXV6, '96 328is, '09 C350
here.. let me summarize for you...
C300 .. get the manual, at least P1 package and Multimedia package...
328i .. get the coupe and manual... get the sports package and NAVI package.
C350 .. get the P2 Package..and Multimidia package
335i .. get the NAVI package and performance package...
you can also try Audi A4 or S4 they are pretty nice car...
stay away from Lexus..
If you really want to get the bang for your buck.. get the G7.. just kidding ..
it all depends how deep is your pocket and your own personal preference.
C300 .. get the manual, at least P1 package and Multimedia package...
328i .. get the coupe and manual... get the sports package and NAVI package.
C350 .. get the P2 Package..and Multimidia package
335i .. get the NAVI package and performance package...
you can also try Audi A4 or S4 they are pretty nice car...
stay away from Lexus..
If you really want to get the bang for your buck.. get the G7.. just kidding ..
it all depends how deep is your pocket and your own personal preference.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 4,856
Likes: 4
02 C32 AMG
here.. let me summarize for you...
C300 .. get the manual, at least P1 package and Multimedia package...
328i .. get the coupe and manual... get the sports package and NAVI package.
C350 .. get the P2 Package..and Multimidia package
335i .. get the NAVI package and performance package...
you can also try Audi A4 or S4 they are pretty nice car...
stay away from Lexus..
If you really want to get the bang for your buck.. get the G7.. just kidding ..
it all depends how deep is your pocket and your own personal preference.
C300 .. get the manual, at least P1 package and Multimedia package...
328i .. get the coupe and manual... get the sports package and NAVI package.
C350 .. get the P2 Package..and Multimidia package
335i .. get the NAVI package and performance package...
you can also try Audi A4 or S4 they are pretty nice car...
stay away from Lexus..
If you really want to get the bang for your buck.. get the G7.. just kidding ..
it all depends how deep is your pocket and your own personal preference.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 312
Likes: 2
C350 Elegance
I have the European C350 and comes limited to 155 mph (250 kmh), but it is easy to deprogram and then the limit is 175 (281). From there it takes extra money to raise it to your budget's limit.
Whichever you choose look at the idiosyncracies before, afterwards gets from costly to not available to add them or change them.
Cheers, JV
Whichever you choose look at the idiosyncracies before, afterwards gets from costly to not available to add them or change them.
Cheers, JV
