Matt-erhorn

Having driven both I will say they feel entirely different. Styling aside, since thats extremely subjective, the W205 feels like a more grown up car IMO. Materials feel higher quality, engine and transmission are far more refined, steering is extremely light (too light IMO), and just a much more comfortable car. One of the biggest advantages to it is just how much space there is now when compared to the W204. Everything from the trunk, to the door panels seem to have doubled in space.

That said I still prefer the W204 because it feels a little bit sportier to me and feels more "raw"(in comparison to the W205). Ultimately when people ask me which one is better I just say it really depends on what you're looking for. If you're looking for an experience that most people expect from a Mercedes it's the 205, however if you're like me and like something a little bit sportier and tighter feeling, the 204 is the way to go.

michail71

I never took the opportunity to drive it. I find the steering a little too light on the W204. So if the new version is even lighter that would be hard to believe . My son is learning to drive and the light steering on this car makes for an experience with inexperienced drivers.

But even though I find the steering too light there is something about it that I still like, which is probably the responsiveness. Light and loose would be bad but it's light and tight.

Isn't the transmission the same? If so I'd love it to be software tweaked or something. My #1 gripe about my car is the WTF is the transmission going to do feeling it has been giving me, even in S mode. Two weeks in with the car and I'm still having moments where I think "Oh, s****, the car isn't going to go when pulling into traffic. Then bam, a kick in the seat happens. For German engineering it's pathetically imprecise.

If the W205 fixes that I'm all for it. But there needs to be some sort of service bulletin and fix for the older cars.

Carsy

No 205 CDI for me, too many problems with the DPF, only run flat tyres available , no proper spare tyre & the glitzy interior will date, unlike the 204's which is less interesting than the inside of a black garbage bag & will never date.

shotgun_banjo

Funny as you mentioned the steering of the W204 is light as I don't find it light at all. Before I swapped my front 17" rims with 225s with 18" 235s the steering wheel is not as heavy as a BMW 3 series and after the swap it became almost the same. The W205 greatly taken the steering feel out of the door as right now it is overly boosted (feels like an ML or GLE now as it is very light). Also try to learn to use the +/- shifter for passing. If you use it enough you will know when to press the stick to pass as there is a delay when going +/- on the shifter but after you learn how to anticipate the car you don't have to mush the gas pedal anymore as shifting manual gives me more control of the RPMs when passing.

michail71

I always thought my VW steering felt dead. Like it was more of a suggestion to the car. Yet the car could handle a track.

My favorite feeling steering wheel is usually on Mazdas. I also like the feel of BMW.

But I love how agile and sensitive this steering is. Almost handles like a go-kart (which I mean in a postie way).

justonlyjohn

I have been lurking for a long time and just joined the forum simply because of how damn funny this was.

michail71

Well, the dealership wanted to schedule 3 days for my service appointment so it looks like I'm going to get some time in a W205 on 12/31/15.

I'm going in for a noisy belt tensioner, navigation that switches between metric/imperial and a wheel balance. I'm not sure why they need 3 days but as long as I have a loaner car I'm happy. I guess it will be a C300 and not a Maybach, which I made the mistake of sitting in.

It seemed to be the navigation system that concerned them time wise. At least they observed it and said it was not normal.

shotgun_banjo

Most likely they need to order the software for the command. Happened to me long time ago and they said not all commands are the same and they don't carry all of the software for every version so they need to get it first. One thing for sure you will get the latest map update after they fix it.

michail71

I hope so. Those map updates are a fortune, lol.

Did you have the same problem or was it something else? But you would have a metric based system.

shotgun_banjo

Well mine is not as bad as yours but my command decided to not show any words on the POI menu and even the reset did not work so a re-flash of the software was the only option.

LandSeaAir

The 204 will always have a special place in my heart...it was its own style.
The 205 is very nice, but its truly a baby s class inside and out.

Generally, the new C is more round edged and the 204 is more sharp edged.

The problem is the 204 is played out


MPG and performance aside I prefer the feeling of the 3.0 V6 over the turbo I4, smoother and just sounds better. The turbo I4 sounds like something out of a Japanese car imo, the non-direct injection v6 has that German muscle sound to it it really does.

tekfoc

tis the reason I chose a 12 over 13 or 14 the v6 non direct injection just sounds better and a lot easier to work on.
I wouldn't say played out just aging well.

Carsy

Agreed, I would say aging very very well & not at all played out in diesel form.

It has real tyres, even a bloody spare & much less pollution control.

I am amazed about the lack of complaints surfacing on this forum. Take a look at the 205 forum.