Raron

So I know that sounds like a crazy comparison but I'm trying to decide between the two. My last car was an 07 Z4M, had a Lotus Elise before that and a bunch of other stuff. Will post a link to some of the previous cars so you have an idea of where I've been.

I'm looking to spend $10-$15k and will use the car to go work and also fun on weekend. Currently we have a Land Rover Discovery which may or may not also be replaced. So my logic is this:

Option 1
Get S2k which I would mostly drive. Sell the Rover and get wife a Land Cruiser or perhaps an LS400 or something she would enjoy driving a bit more.

Option 2
Get C32 and then do the same as above. But then I'd have 2 4 doors and I'd be hoping the C32 is fun enough to double as my toy.

Option 3
Get S2k and then later add a C32 so both wife AND me can have fun! Course this is a bit more expensive and not really the preference as I'm sure she doesn't want to see us tie up so much in cars since we'd be buying cash.

So I guess I'm down to the fundamental decision of which of these two cars would I rather drive on a regular basis since she would be driving the other. I suppose I also need to consider which would be the most fun for us to go cruisin on weekends too.

Btw, I had an 03' S2k and really enjoyed it. Felt like a go-cart and chassis was quite rigid for a droptop! Never had a C32 however... Any thoughts?

Here are some pics of some of the previous toys http://www.cardomain.com/ride/291976

C_DirtyTwo

I knew someone who was going through a similar problem....

the answer is: SLK32 AMG

King320

If you're coming from a z4M and a lotus elise, the c32 is going to feel like a pig. I guess it handles decently but even my old m3 felt much more in touch with the road. I would look into the SLK option raised above.

Raron

Been without Z4M for about 6 months while driving the Land Rover Discovery... Trust me, anything will feel light, nimble and fun now! The SLK32 seems too boxy and I never liked that body style.

Either a true toy 2 seater like S2k or C32 or S4 type split personality beast.

W203Ramos

....S4 just because of AWD where do you live?

Mark.D

How was the Z4 M? I really want a coupe!

dlwiser

Get BOTH!... thats what I did. Two different cars that are built to fill two different roles. But if you cant I would agree with the above, it seems to be the best middle you're going to achieve.

91RS

You've had some very nice cars! Since you've already had an S2K, why not get something different? Or you could get another Z06! :-D

To me it would really depend whether you need/want 2 or 4 doors and let that be the deciding factor. I actually bought my C230 on a slight impulse but I liked really having a 4 door so when I got rid of the C230 (and because I acutally liked the W203 so much) I bought my C55. With the money I spent I probably could have found a nice 05 or maybe 06 Corvette but because of the insurance cost on a 2 door vehicle and the fact that I liked the utility of a 4 door I went with the C55.

papasmurf

I was actually in the same situation as you, I had my eye on an 02 s2k w. the full red interior, but it sold, and since mint ones are hard to come by with that interior I decided to give up.

Now, having the C32 and just getting all these random "malfunctions" in my onboard display, the thoughts of maintenance are giving me a headache daily.
I'm sure its a reliable car, but keep maint. in mind as well when youre buying.. unless youre pretty mechanical the Honda seems like the "cheaper" route in case something goes wrong.

I love my car, its comfortable, roomy and fast enough, but its gonna empty my bank account, which is already suffering considering im only 21.

I think it all comes down to your personal preference though, weigh the pros and cons of each car and discuss it with your wife for a closer, more valuable decision...?

Good luck man

loudandheard

I don't think I pay too much more for the cost of maintenance on my c32 as opposed to my previous w202. I think I pay about the same, but I do the maintenance myself as opposed to paying the dealer. It's as simple as changing the oil and what ever other fluids. I have replaced only minor parts on my car and will probably have to replace my power steering pump, but my car has over 130k miles and it's still running relatively strong. I still have problems with the acceleration issue, but it does not effect he normal drivability of the car.

I'd say go with the C32 if you are handy with tools or if you can get an extended warranty, if not go with the honda. Just take in to consideration that higher mile cars will have their own problems and Mercedes just cost more, but is not more difficult to work on then most domestic or Japanese cars.

AnimC32

Same kinda problem here. I used to have the S2k before I got the C32. Selling the C32 to get the S2k back now. S2000's handling is very addictive...

M-bENZ

CLK55 Cab.

Andy

dmyrick

i had a 00 s2000 and loved that car it was quick and great to drive with the top down. I would buy another one in a minute if my wife would let me. the only down down side was it was a 25000 mile clutch eater so you would have to expect to pay 1500 for a heavy duty clutch installed.

W203Ramos

YUGO?....

JonMBZ

This is really a debate? A Mercedes or a Honda?... Yea I will take a Benz, thank you!

King320

wow.

s2K is a great car. why dump on it just because it isnt german?

I'd take a nissan over my mercedes, if that nissan was a 2010 GTR

Phil C55

Just keep a spare $20k in the bank for a replacement transmission.

tommy

And how much in reserve for when the Benz breaks down?

I'd pick the S2K and let your wife pick the car she wants. It is 2010, after all.

TemjinX2

just get both. You can probably get a low mileage c32 for 14k and a high mileage s2k for 10k. So for the price of a new accord you can have both toys.

alpha8a

I had an S2k before. They are tons of fun and handle very well, but are not so great for commuting in traffic.

MB_Forever

My best friend is an S2K fanatic, so I got to drive so many S2Ks for the past 4 years, and I loved them. I also used to own a highly-modded C32. The S2K shines on the road course.... they are one of the most fun cars to use on the track, as it allows you to feel every turn and be part of the road almost. The C32, although was also fun, did not compare. However, the C32 was much more comfortable for daily driving and for the occasional fun here and there.

I say if you track your cars often or are going to drive the S2K only on weekends, then go with the S2K, it is more fun. If you need a comfortable and luxurious daily driver, then go for the C32.

W203Ramos

get what YOU want ...

JonMBZ

I think its an ugly chick car, and I would never want a honda. A GTR is in a whole different league and I would take one over my Benz too.

alpha8a

Have you ever driven an S2K or rode in one?

AnimC32

Ummm... So wrong.