'08 C3004M to a '10 S4, do I sell the status symbol?
11-16-2015, 01:22 PM
#1
Super Member
Thread Starter
'08 C3004M to a '10 S4, do I sell the status symbol?
So Im going to be graduating college this spring and Im thinking about going from a 2008 C300 4MATIC sport to an S4.
Of course the performance difference is quite dramatic but the main reason why I want to is cause I'm almost tired of driving a Benz. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love driving a Benz, but I'm tired of the image that I put off to other people especially as I begin my career. It was more a toy while Im in school and now I feel like I should go with something that doesn't scream "I GOT MONEY." I don't even actually have money, Im just a big car enthusiast and I bought the C used for $25k. Its just funny though how you can be driving a $25k Benz, and look more pretentious than a $60k Audi (if the Benz is done up right).
Now the S4 is the only car I could see myself going to from the C300. I think it would satisfy my desire to look modest and the increased performance, leather interior and an AM radio that works would all just be perks! I couldn't go to an A4, to me that'd be a downgrade. I don't like the new 3 series, and pre gens are just blah.
At the same time, this Benz was my first car, its loaded with nav, panorama, xenons. Ive put a lot of money into it, (C63 headlights, 2012 tails, OEM AMG 18s, OEM black grill). Its a special car to me, I could drive it forever. But its really just the image thing and I guess the desire for a new car that gets me.
Ideally I sell my C for $17k, buy an S4 for $27k. Would you guys spend $10k and get rid of your first car if you were in my shoes? Do you think I would miss the Benz once I have an Audi? I know this forum is a bit biased...
I know a kid who got a brand new 2010 C300, crashed it, got another C300, crashed that one, then got an S4...might of crashed that too i don't know. Now he's back to Benz with the 2015 C400... so Im thinking to myself, he missed the Benz...
Of course the performance difference is quite dramatic but the main reason why I want to is cause I'm almost tired of driving a Benz. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love driving a Benz, but I'm tired of the image that I put off to other people especially as I begin my career. It was more a toy while Im in school and now I feel like I should go with something that doesn't scream "I GOT MONEY." I don't even actually have money, Im just a big car enthusiast and I bought the C used for $25k. Its just funny though how you can be driving a $25k Benz, and look more pretentious than a $60k Audi (if the Benz is done up right).
Now the S4 is the only car I could see myself going to from the C300. I think it would satisfy my desire to look modest and the increased performance, leather interior and an AM radio that works would all just be perks! I couldn't go to an A4, to me that'd be a downgrade. I don't like the new 3 series, and pre gens are just blah.
At the same time, this Benz was my first car, its loaded with nav, panorama, xenons. Ive put a lot of money into it, (C63 headlights, 2012 tails, OEM AMG 18s, OEM black grill). Its a special car to me, I could drive it forever. But its really just the image thing and I guess the desire for a new car that gets me.
Ideally I sell my C for $17k, buy an S4 for $27k. Would you guys spend $10k and get rid of your first car if you were in my shoes? Do you think I would miss the Benz once I have an Audi? I know this forum is a bit biased...
I know a kid who got a brand new 2010 C300, crashed it, got another C300, crashed that one, then got an S4...might of crashed that too i don't know. Now he's back to Benz with the 2015 C400... so Im thinking to myself, he missed the Benz...
Last edited by LandSeaAir; 11-16-2015 at 01:26 PM.
11-16-2015, 04:46 PM
#3
MBWorld Fanatic!
i know ill never leave the benz family once I've joined it. its all on personal preference get a car that makes you smile each and every time you get in it and who cares what people think. look at it this way everyone who has a full time job can but any car they want but they choose to spend there money on other thing while you choose to spend your money on a benz but I'm sure no one will judge you.
11-16-2015, 05:07 PM
#4
MBWorld Fanatic!
My wife has a '12 C350 coupe and my brother has a '14 S4. Very different cars. The Benz definitely draws more attention, and unfortunately you're right that it's often a bad thing. If we're going for an interview or to meet friends I often park it in the back of the parking lot so nobody can see it and make a snide comment. The Audi is definitely the driver's car of the two, but it's not as comfortable and not as smooth. It really depends on what kind of driver you are. The S4 will appeal to car enthusiasts but my brother said that in 2 years he's had one person acknowledge his car (a WRX driver gave him a thumbs up). For the most part it flies under the radar, which is a good thing.
11-16-2015, 05:28 PM
#5
Super Member
Thread Starter
My wife has a '12 C350 coupe and my brother has a '14 S4. Very different cars. The Benz definitely draws more attention, and unfortunately you're right that it's often a bad thing. If we're going for an interview or to meet friends I often park it in the back of the parking lot so nobody can see it and make a snide comment. The Audi is definitely the driver's car of the two, but it's not as comfortable and not as smooth. It really depends on what kind of driver you are. The S4 will appeal to car enthusiasts but my brother said that in 2 years he's had one person acknowledge his car (a WRX driver gave him a thumbs up). For the most part it flies under the radar, which is a good thing.
11-19-2015, 04:06 PM
#6
Member
For what it's worth, I had a '10 S5 Prestige (4.2 liter DOHC V8 with the drive select package and sport [active limited slip] rear differential) before buying my '13 C350 4MATIC coupe.
In terms of interior and exterior appearance, fit and finish, I would rate them about equal with maybe a slight edge to the S5 on exterior appearance.
In terms of handling and performance, the S5 outclassed my C350 in every respect. I think my '13 C350 coupe is a great car, but I really miss my '10 S5 (except for the oil consumption and valve carbon fouling problems the Audi 4.2 FSI V8 is notorious for).
In terms of interior and exterior appearance, fit and finish, I would rate them about equal with maybe a slight edge to the S5 on exterior appearance.
In terms of handling and performance, the S5 outclassed my C350 in every respect. I think my '13 C350 coupe is a great car, but I really miss my '10 S5 (except for the oil consumption and valve carbon fouling problems the Audi 4.2 FSI V8 is notorious for).
