Price difference between V6 and V8
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 12
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From: New York
2000 Mercedes E320 and ML430
Price difference between V6 and V8
Here is the true price difference between the E320 and the E500.
E320:
MSRP: $47,615
metallic paint: $655
Full leather interior: $1,440
4-zone climate control: $550
Airmatic dual control: $1,575
TOTAL: $51,835
E500:
$55,515
So... $55,515 - $51,835 = $3,680 difference between the E320 and the E500.
If you opt for the E500 you are getting a larger engine (81 more hp and 107 lb. ft. of torque), larger wheels and tires, and a better climate control system. However, you also have to pay a $1,000 gas guzzler tax, more luxury tax, and more regular tax. Aditionally, you will be paying for a lot more fuel each year. So the difference is over $5,000. Even $3,860 seems quite steep for an upgrade to a V8. I know it is a sophisticated one, but American car companies offer V8 engines for less then a 1,000 for an upgrade - I know they are not as good but still. I am trying to convince myself that it is worth it but I can't.
Someone please convince me!!!
E320:
MSRP: $47,615
metallic paint: $655
Full leather interior: $1,440
4-zone climate control: $550
Airmatic dual control: $1,575
TOTAL: $51,835
E500:
$55,515
So... $55,515 - $51,835 = $3,680 difference between the E320 and the E500.
If you opt for the E500 you are getting a larger engine (81 more hp and 107 lb. ft. of torque), larger wheels and tires, and a better climate control system. However, you also have to pay a $1,000 gas guzzler tax, more luxury tax, and more regular tax. Aditionally, you will be paying for a lot more fuel each year. So the difference is over $5,000. Even $3,860 seems quite steep for an upgrade to a V8. I know it is a sophisticated one, but American car companies offer V8 engines for less then a 1,000 for an upgrade - I know they are not as good but still. I am trying to convince myself that it is worth it but I can't.
Someone please convince me!!!
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 763
Likes: 0
It's all about budget and personality.
If you're very budget-conscious and prone to feeling guilty about major purchases, the V6 may be the best fit for you.
If you're someone who isn't really turned on by performance characteristics, the V8 won't be worth the extra $$.
It's less about whether a V8 engine is worth this amount of money or that amount of money and more about YOUR budget and tastes. That's what you need to sit down and take stock of.
When I first bought an AMG I bought it sight unseen, having never test driven one. Bought it via internet because I didn't want to wait 2 years to get it through local dealers.
I had no idea whether the performance would justify the cost. Fortunately, it's been worth every penny and more and I'm #2 in line here for the new E55, which I'm positive I'll love.
But if it had impressed me no more than a Lexus GS430 or something, I'd have felt like a schmuck. Some people will pay a lot of extra $$ for performance, some people just don't care that much.
Go test drive the 500 then take stock of your priorities.
If you're very budget-conscious and prone to feeling guilty about major purchases, the V6 may be the best fit for you.
If you're someone who isn't really turned on by performance characteristics, the V8 won't be worth the extra $$.
It's less about whether a V8 engine is worth this amount of money or that amount of money and more about YOUR budget and tastes. That's what you need to sit down and take stock of.
When I first bought an AMG I bought it sight unseen, having never test driven one. Bought it via internet because I didn't want to wait 2 years to get it through local dealers.
I had no idea whether the performance would justify the cost. Fortunately, it's been worth every penny and more and I'm #2 in line here for the new E55, which I'm positive I'll love.
But if it had impressed me no more than a Lexus GS430 or something, I'd have felt like a schmuck. Some people will pay a lot of extra $$ for performance, some people just don't care that much.
Go test drive the 500 then take stock of your priorities.
Member
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 215
Likes: 1
From: Seattle
2001 ML320
The other thing to consider is if you were going to get all of those options in the first place. I'm sure most will opt for full leather but I haven't seen the inserts to really know how different they will look, feel or hold up over time. I think a lot of people are going to skip the 4-zone climate control. If black, white or midnight blue are your preferred color you also don't pay extra for those.
Lastly, the difference in resale values of the V8 vs V6 narrow to almost nothing over a few years. Just take a look at a site like Edmunds or Kelly Blue Book and you will see that $6,000 to $8,000 cost difference fade rapidly after 3 to 4 years.
You must be right about the gas costs - they don't tack on a gas guzzler tax for nothing.
Just playing devil's advocate! I ordered a 320. With the specs I'm getting (E5, multicontour, leather, metallic, panorama, HK, changer, side window shades) the upgrade price is just about $7,000 with tax. I'm sure it would be nicer, but...
Lastly, the difference in resale values of the V8 vs V6 narrow to almost nothing over a few years. Just take a look at a site like Edmunds or Kelly Blue Book and you will see that $6,000 to $8,000 cost difference fade rapidly after 3 to 4 years.
You must be right about the gas costs - they don't tack on a gas guzzler tax for nothing.
Just playing devil's advocate! I ordered a 320. With the specs I'm getting (E5, multicontour, leather, metallic, panorama, HK, changer, side window shades) the upgrade price is just about $7,000 with tax. I'm sure it would be nicer, but...
