Wadster

Is comparing an E-class to a C-class really valid? Some would argue that all the C-classes going back the W202 chassis lack something.

Were you to compare the W124’s with the W201’s, what would be your conclusion?

gnma

+1

Clinton Horn

Were you to compare the W124’s with the W201’s, what would be your conclusion?

I owned neither but put some mileage on both. I actually preferred the 190 E 2.6 to the OHC W124 The interior was slightly more compact but the power and handling of the small car was preferable. I would guess that they might be closer in price (as a percentage) than the current E versus C models. I have heard numerous owners declare that the 190 was one of the best cars M-B ever turned out. I can say that I would buy new one today, with a fair escalation price for inflation if it was available. They were good solid cars and provided a great value. The 124 car is a close second. The 211 is very appealing in style and interior comfort but is (in my opinion) a compromise in cost, weight, and durability. I believe the 124 car was pushing 40K in 1990 dollars. The old cars cannot compete in electronics but they really excel in the business of getting from A to B.

gaazmon

Agree, the new cars are lacking in some way that I can't put my finger on it. Still think my 1994 S420 was a better all around car than all the other benzes we own.

K-A

I don't think we're "comparing" the C to the E, it's a new Model so I think everyone's just expressing what they've experienced with the car considering it shares the same Manufacturer nameplate at the E.

xr650rguy

I'm rolling in a 2009 C300 Sport today. It's a loaner.

I like the suspension, nice and tight.

The interior "feels" a lot like a Dodge/Chrysler, though.

Needs more "GO", though. Maybe the 350 is better.

jlw000

You are exactly right. When I started this thread it was just about how disappointed I was with the C350 loaner and how glad i was to get my E500 back. I am actually surprised to see that so many apparently feel like I did about it though.

K-A

Yeah. Just want to add, on my drive to and back from Vegas, the wind noise was INSANE, the window right behind me mostly, I mean it drove me crazy.

gaazmon

My management professor was giving us his theory why since the 90's Mercedes has gone downhill in many areas. His idea, the introduction of the C-class. He said Mercedes should not really have an entry-level vehicle like a C-class since it devalues the rest of the model lineup and a bunch of other reasons. Btw, don't shoot the messenger.

FirstMB

Sorry to change the subject, guys, but is the poster saying that the car is under warranty for the alignment or the other stuff? Correct if I am wrong, but the alignment would not be covered for the entire 4/50000, right?

jlw000

It was under warranty for everythinb but the alignment, but in the end the alignment was covered since they decided to put a new stearing box in, afterwhich, an alignment is required so it ultimately became covered too

Dema

Aligment is covered under 12,000 miles, unless something changed last years.
Again off topic, when I did shopping for E, my little son checked all cars in a dealership and told that C is the niciest car and it is worth to buy. So I think car impression is age specific.

jlw000

He was told this by a SALES guy? O.K.

DerekACS

[QUOTE=jlw000;3017859]I took my E500 into dealer to get a few things fixed. Nice dealer gave me a loaner...a c350 sport with amg package.

Now, for the c350. I was so underwhelmed by it I could not stand it by the time i gave it back (4 days later). Good looking front end. Bad looking rear end (looks like a toyota). Sport interior nice looking, but I cannot believe the seats were leather (felt like pleather and no nice smell like in mine).

[/QUOTE)

These models are in completely different price ranges. Of course, the E Class is going to be a superior car in many ways, but not all ways.. I drive a 2008 E 320 Bluetec and my wife has a 2008 C350 Sport, so I can offer some comparisons.
Firstly, the C350 Sport has superior handling; the braking is more powerful and the steering is sharper. Styling wise, it's a very subjective question not worth commenting on here.
As far as comfort and ride are concerned, the E Class is certainly superior, but this is to be expected given its longer wheelbase and the much higher price point.
With respect to the interior, the E again is much superior in terms of finish and the choice of materials, as one would expect with a much more expensive vehicle.
However, with its more compact size, the C350 is easier to park, more efficient than an E350 and perhaps more fun to drive.
With respect to your statement " I cannot believe the seats were leather", perhaps they were not real leather, but the perforated MB Tex which smells like plastic in the hot sun. In any case, the real leather found in the E Class is definitely a softer feeling leather than the optional leather supplied with my wife's C350 Sport.
I think in the end you get what you pay for. The C350 Sport is a lively and fun to drive car. It's not an E Class, but nor is it intended to be.

Dema

In this case 335 looks even better, leather is standard, memory seats, keyless go, more power, better handling and shorter stop distance, the same questionable style. So where is a real reason to take C350?