2012 BMW 328i Sedan vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C250 Sport - Comparison Test
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From: California
2008 Sport C-300, 2003 Accord Coupe V6
2012 BMW 328i Sedan vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C250 Sport - Comparison Test
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From: Stuttgart, Germany
2012 C250 Sports Sedan, 2006 AMG E55
What a suprise, another USA mag picks BMW funny how the euro mags would be split on this.
http://www.roadandtrack.com/tests/co...enz-c250-sport[/QUOTE]
http://www.roadandtrack.com/tests/co...enz-c250-sport[/QUOTE]
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From: Stuttgart, Germany
2012 C250 Sports Sedan, 2006 AMG E55
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From: San Francisco
'08 Mercedes C300
250 and 328i have turbo 4s while the 300 has a v6. It makes sense to compare them since they are the first 4 cylinder engines for those companies in a while. I think it's been 10-15 years for Mercedes.
Naturally, all that matters in the USA is performance (0-60, faster quarter mile, handling). Everyone seems to overlook the fact that they try to target different markets. Mercedes makes one of, if not the best, v8 engines in the SLS AMG, so they are extremely capable with performance. They just sacrifice ride quality and comfort like BMW has done. Different markets, but same overall success that makes it hard to choose between them. USA mags need to get their bias checked.
Naturally, all that matters in the USA is performance (0-60, faster quarter mile, handling). Everyone seems to overlook the fact that they try to target different markets. Mercedes makes one of, if not the best, v8 engines in the SLS AMG, so they are extremely capable with performance. They just sacrifice ride quality and comfort like BMW has done. Different markets, but same overall success that makes it hard to choose between them. USA mags need to get their bias checked.
Last edited by Domm; May 4, 2012 at 03:01 PM.
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From: San Francisco
'08 Mercedes C300
Which brings me to a true quote: "Driving cars is like sex. Everyone thinks they are good at it".
The funniest thing I see is when people start comparing Mercedes and BMW to Infiniti based on whp and torque.
I'm not saying it's not a good car. An Acura TL is also up there with all that whp and torque but it doesn't do you any good if you need to rev to 5,000+ rpm to use it.
The funniest thing I see is when people start comparing Mercedes and BMW to Infiniti based on whp and torque.
I'm not saying it's not a good car. An Acura TL is also up there with all that whp and torque but it doesn't do you any good if you need to rev to 5,000+ rpm to use it.
Last edited by Domm; May 4, 2012 at 04:01 PM.
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From: Germantown, MD/Rehoboth Beach, DE
2024 GLS450
I really can't argue with any of the articles. At the end of the day - they are both very fine cars.
Here's another one: http://www.roadandtrack.com/tests/co...enz-c250-sport
The Mercedes looks better, has a nicer interior, has marginally better grip (depending on the magazine that tested it) and better brakes. It does ride softer, the transmission tends to take a more relaxed position on driving, and it is down on power compared to the BMW - especially at the top end where the tiny turbo can't help.
All of this is like complaining about the crust on a filet Mignon though - it's deceptively quick from a roll and makes awesome noises while it works.
I voted with my wallet, and it's obvious which one I picked. BMW wrecked a few key things with the new 3 and I am not convinced of their quality - especially given I have friends who own all ages of E90s and have similar problems across them all.
Here's another one: http://www.roadandtrack.com/tests/co...enz-c250-sport
The Mercedes looks better, has a nicer interior, has marginally better grip (depending on the magazine that tested it) and better brakes. It does ride softer, the transmission tends to take a more relaxed position on driving, and it is down on power compared to the BMW - especially at the top end where the tiny turbo can't help.
All of this is like complaining about the crust on a filet Mignon though - it's deceptively quick from a roll and makes awesome noises while it works.
I voted with my wallet, and it's obvious which one I picked. BMW wrecked a few key things with the new 3 and I am not convinced of their quality - especially given I have friends who own all ages of E90s and have similar problems across them all.
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From: Dix Hills, New York
2012 C250 Coupe
I think its ok to compare the two... But a $9,000 price difference?!?! You've got to be kidding, you can get a C350 and more for that price! Heck, a C63 Coupe is only $13,000 more then the 328i at $50,000! That being said, I think that the Mercedes does a "better" job. Although, I am envious of the 0-60 time of the BMW, that is astonishing for a 4cyl.
As far as Infiniti goes, I really can't knock them. I don't know what you mean about not getting torque/horsepower until higher rpm's, cause my G37 Coupe truly was a BEAST, at all rpms and speeds. The C250 or C350 don't really even compare. That being said, speed alone, the ride is nothing like a Mercedes, and I have bought two Mercedes since for a reason.
As far as Infiniti goes, I really can't knock them. I don't know what you mean about not getting torque/horsepower until higher rpm's, cause my G37 Coupe truly was a BEAST, at all rpms and speeds. The C250 or C350 don't really even compare. That being said, speed alone, the ride is nothing like a Mercedes, and I have bought two Mercedes since for a reason.
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From: Germantown, MD/Rehoboth Beach, DE
2024 GLS450
I'd rather have something that feels like it weighs as much as a small moon but that can still get out of its own way.
I respect the Evo and STi for what they are - rally pedigreed road cars. Just not my style I guess.
I respect the Evo and STi for what they are - rally pedigreed road cars. Just not my style I guess.
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'08 Mercedes C300
As far as Infiniti goes, I really can't knock them. I don't know what you mean about not getting torque/horsepower until higher rpm's, cause my G37 Coupe truly was a BEAST, at all rpms and speeds. The C250 or C350 don't really even compare. That being said, speed alone, the ride is nothing like a Mercedes, and I have bought two Mercedes since for a reason.
Its just how efficiently it unleashes it that I question.
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'20 GLC300 SUV
I really can't argue with any of the articles. At the end of the day - they are both very fine cars.
Here's another one: http://www.roadandtrack.com/tests/co...enz-c250-sport
The Mercedes looks better, has a nicer interior, has marginally better grip (depending on the magazine that tested it) and better brakes. It does ride softer, the transmission tends to take a more relaxed position on driving, and it is down on power compared to the BMW - especially at the top end where the tiny turbo can't help.
All of this is like complaining about the crust on a filet Mignon though - it's deceptively quick from a roll and makes awesome noises while it works.
I voted with my wallet, and it's obvious which one I picked. BMW wrecked a few key things with the new 3 and I am not convinced of their quality - especially given I have friends who own all ages of E90s and have similar problems across them all.
Here's another one: http://www.roadandtrack.com/tests/co...enz-c250-sport
The Mercedes looks better, has a nicer interior, has marginally better grip (depending on the magazine that tested it) and better brakes. It does ride softer, the transmission tends to take a more relaxed position on driving, and it is down on power compared to the BMW - especially at the top end where the tiny turbo can't help.
All of this is like complaining about the crust on a filet Mignon though - it's deceptively quick from a roll and makes awesome noises while it works.
I voted with my wallet, and it's obvious which one I picked. BMW wrecked a few key things with the new 3 and I am not convinced of their quality - especially given I have friends who own all ages of E90s and have similar problems across them all.
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From: Dix Hills, New York
2012 C250 Coupe
That being said, you could be one of the lucky ones who haven't had problems. I'm not saying BMW or Audi is terrrible in comparison to Mercedes, I'm just trying to point out that having a new car for 3 or so years and putting only 40,000 miles or so on the car is not a good indicator. Heck, I don't expect anything to go wrong in any car with those few miles, Kia, Hyundai, Toyota, BMW, Lexus, Benz, that would just be a joke!
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BMW 335i
If I could have a coupe, id take the Mercedes C 250 or 350, but since I must have a sedan, I'm seriously considering another 335. Mostly because of the lack of sport seats in the Mercedes sedan and the lack of paddle shifters. If the sedan had sports seats like the coupe and paddle shifters, there would be no question I would get a Mercedes.
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From: Dix Hills, New York
2012 C250 Coupe
If I could have a coupe, id take the Mercedes C 250 or 350, but since I must have a sedan, I'm seriously considering another 335. Mostly because of the lack of sport seats in the Mercedes sedan and the lack of paddle shifters. If the sedan had sports seats like the coupe and paddle shifters, there would be no question I would get a Mercedes.
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'20 GLC300 SUV
I agree. Both of those cars were tuned (380 hp, 421 lb-ft).
Yes, but it all depends on how long you've had the cars too. The first 335i you've had for 3 years and probably only put 36,000 miles on it, if that. And the second one it seems you only had for 2 years and probably only put 24,000 miles on it. With all things being said, that is not really a long enough time to judge the durability and reliability of a car. The first one probably got close, I find that if problems do arise, its usually around the 4-5 year mark, and 50-70,000 miles. Of which, when my brother had his first Audi, he needed a new transmission at 60k miles, and the second one he needed a new turbo at 50k. I'm not sure of BMW but I have heard problems with fuel pumps, etc.
That being said, you could be one of the lucky ones who haven't had problems. I'm not saying BMW or Audi is terrrible in comparison to Mercedes, I'm just trying to point out that having a new car for 3 or so years and putting only 40,000 miles or so on the car is not a good indicator. Heck, I don't expect anything to go wrong in any car with those few miles, Kia, Hyundai, Toyota, BMW, Lexus, Benz, that would just be a joke!
That being said, you could be one of the lucky ones who haven't had problems. I'm not saying BMW or Audi is terrrible in comparison to Mercedes, I'm just trying to point out that having a new car for 3 or so years and putting only 40,000 miles or so on the car is not a good indicator. Heck, I don't expect anything to go wrong in any car with those few miles, Kia, Hyundai, Toyota, BMW, Lexus, Benz, that would just be a joke!
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From: Stuttgart, Germany
2012 C250 Sports Sedan, 2006 AMG E55
Basically it came down to money with me I test drove both the MB and the BMW, the BMW was Ten K more than the Benz. And for the feel of the BMW over the MB, I can say that is total BS. Im not tracking any of these cars and both the cars performe well in spirited driving. That is why I loathe Road and Track and such publications. I raced 500 whp Subarus for the last 5 years and can tell you from a experienced driver (NOTICE I DIDNT SAY GREAT) that driving feel at the level of driving that you can push on the street is almost nil. These Publications are the Ultimate posers. May I add that the Quality of the two cars are very close that the MB did feel more solid and that the interior of the MB was very much more pleasing to sight and touch. This is coming from a man who always though MB was in third behind there Bavarian counterparts, I made that opion years ago by the drivel of car mags such as Road and Track, untill I really explored the MB brand, I realized these mags where full of crap.
Talking to my German friends, they laugh at what they consider American Auto Mag bias. The perception of these two brands in there country of Orgin is one of a dead heat, with fan boys from both sides of the argument proping up there brands autos. But they will never say that the rivals brand isnt on par with there favorite brand. Read articles from German Mags will basically have the cars seperated by 2 points or less. There conclusion both are damm fine autos and that there is no King of the streets. Very Unlike the American Mags who already gave that title of king to BMW 20 years ago.
Talking to my German friends, they laugh at what they consider American Auto Mag bias. The perception of these two brands in there country of Orgin is one of a dead heat, with fan boys from both sides of the argument proping up there brands autos. But they will never say that the rivals brand isnt on par with there favorite brand. Read articles from German Mags will basically have the cars seperated by 2 points or less. There conclusion both are damm fine autos and that there is no King of the streets. Very Unlike the American Mags who already gave that title of king to BMW 20 years ago.
Last edited by StuttgartUSA; May 5, 2012 at 06:23 AM.
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From: Sydney
C63
I would go for the 328i with Msport kit. One must remember however, that the winner of these tests is usually the newer car (but never Audi). Once a new C class generation comes out then it will probably pip the F30 for tech/engine specs etc... Then BMW brings out LCI F30 which will out-do the new C class. Then C class gets facelifted and outdoes F30 LCI etc.. etc.. It goes on.
