When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
When I look at all the pictures here in this forum I see many nice Mercedes-cars, but.. I can also really see the difference in culture and mentality between Europeans and Americans..
I have noticed some things that seems very typical for America:
1. the wheels are much to big.
2. the cars are way to low.
3. the cars have to sporty and aggressive look.
4. it is a little "to much" of everything..
I Would be ashamed to drive in such a car!
Here in the EU it is very different, we drive smaller cars, and we drive cars with smaller engines, (more than 60% diesel).
The most common engines for the E class here is 200d, 220d and 250d.
Why does everything have to be so BIG in America, and why this mentality "look at me, look at me, my car is bigger than yours".... WHY???
For example, my E class is typically european, it is a E 200 Elegance, Diesel with 136 HP, 5-speed automatic, 16" Wheels.
- and as far as I know, this E class model was not even available in the US?
Here some pictures of my "boring european" e class:
Last edited by E 200 CDI; Nov 27, 2015 at 12:13 AM.
Something tells me that you really don't know any Americans personally or very few if any. America is a "BIG" melting pot so there is no consistent train of thought when it comes to vehicles.
Try to not to have a little man inferiority complex. I for one can care less about how big my car is. However, there is certain area that Americans like myself are known for being "BIG" in. It sure doesn't need diesel to fuel it
Take a look online at a traffic cam in Atlanta or Los Angeles. With traffic like that we like power to move in and out of traffic and a smooth ride. Also many people have to carry a lot in there cars. I have a huge SUV and its used also for my business, hauling supplies. Also many streets in Europe are narrow and fuel cost more in Europe.
Many Americans have a sense of individuality rather than being part of the herd. Hence, they want their cars to have individuality. While I find many of them grossly overdone, many are quite tasteful. I choose not to "Mod" my cars since I appreciate the styling of the original.If they want large wheels, black out windows, and aggressive attack angles, so be it.
Many different personalities and cultures in the USA. That's what makes us unique in the world. People like to carve out their own nitch and customize or mod their property and then share it with like enthusiasts. It's our way.
A somewhat inflammatory post, but it contains some truth.
I think the differences come down to a few things. As far as the customization goes, North Americans consistently come out at our near the top of studies measuring individualism vs. societal measures, so we choose to demonstrate that my attempting to make our cars look unique.
The difference in vehicle size is impossible to argue. Here in NA, we have MUCH lower population densities, and our cities are much newer. Most neighbourhoods were built after cars were commonplace, and so the streets are wide, and we generally have plentiful parking accommodating the large vehicles.
Combine the available space with much cheaper fuel, and the natural result is larger vehicles being driven.
Your comment on wheels being "too" big, cars being "too" low, and styling "too" aggressive is completely subjective - and solely a matter of your taste. We might consider your car too small, too high up, and too boring.
I have an E series with the gas 6cyl. and a ML250. Both are fairly "large" vehicles and the next two will most likely be even larger. Very honestly and with no disrespect meant, I could care less what any Europeans might think about my choices.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
I assume you mean the rim size. Sweden is located much father north than the USA, so it makes sense that the tires on your cars would have a higher profile than in the USA because you will have more snow on your roads than in the USA. Lower profile tires are bad in snow but great on dry pavement. To maintain overall tire size, your rims would be of a smaller diameter to accommodate the higher profile tires.
Originally Posted by E 200 CDI
2. the cars are way to low.
I note that your car is riding a bit high, but that makes sense since you would need clearance for the snow. If snow clearance is not an issue, then the car will handle better and get better has mileage is it is lower to the ground. So really, is it not your car that is sacrificing to get the higher clearance?
Originally Posted by E 200 CDI
3. the cars have to sporty and aggressive look.
Your eclass styling is essentially the same as the eclass they sell in the USA. Indeed, I see you have 4 fog lamps in the front of your car when really, only 2 are necessary. Very sporty!
Originally Posted by E 200 CDI
4. it is a little "to much" of everything..
See answer to #3. However, I appreciate the culture that brought us IKEA would say North Americans are too flashy.
Originally Posted by E 200 CDI
I Would be ashamed to drive in such a car!
This is not the buy-sell forum. You can list your car there.
Originally Posted by E 200 CDI
For example, my E class is typically european, it is a E 200 Elegance, Diesel with 136 HP, 5-speed automatic, 16" Wheels.
- and as far as I know, this E class model was not even available in the US?
To be fair, if your government removed (or reduced to a reasonable level) all the tariffs and taxes on cars (and gasoline), would that model even be sold there?
For what? I assume you're referring to diameter because wider wheels increase overall handling...especially cornering grip. Some people prefer the 'look' of larger diameter wheels as well.
Originally Posted by E 200 CDI
2. the cars are way to low.
Again, better handling with less body roll. Snow clearance is not an issue for most people as either there isn't any, or it's cleared quickly. Also again, some prefer the look.
Originally Posted by E 200 CDI
3. the cars have to sporty and aggressive look.
What's your point here? Most people prefer that look.
Originally Posted by E 200 CDI
I Would be ashamed to drive in such a car!
Typical Socialist thought patternThe only difference between Sweden an here with car appearance is we can choose what we like without trying to please the neighbors or some central government. And you know the old saying...."opinions are like **** holes, everyone has one".
I forgot to mention about big engines in America.....we love horsepower and don't get taxed for displacement or fuel type. If we were forced to pay the ridiculous prices Europeans do for gasoline we might be more economy conscious. By the time the EU is finished with your "carbon saving" you won't be driving a Benz anyway.
I assume you mean the rim size. Sweden is located much father north than the USA,
Your eclass styling is essentially the same as the eclass they sell in the USA. Indeed, I see you have 4 fog lamps in the front of your car when really, only 2 are necessary. Very sporty!
To be fair, if your government removed (or reduced to a reasonable level) all the tariffs and taxes on cars (and gasoline), would that model even be sold there?
I meant the size of the wheel, my car have 16", it is the normal size here, nobody drives around with bigger than 18" here in Europe, we do not like it to big.
But in America it seems to be normal with much bigger wheeels, for example 18"-20".
I live in southern of Sweden, we do not have much snow here, maybe 1 or 2 weeks a year, the winter here in very mild and winter here is mostly just rain.
My car have not 4 fog lights, it is only 2 fog ligths, the other 2 lights is the day-time-running lights, for driving during daytime.
I think there is no need for bigger engines, we like it as it is, and as a EU-memberstate we have follow the EU rules and regulations.
The prices for new cars is about the same level in most of EU, for example is the price the same in Sweden and Germany, in other memberstates almost the same price, but in Denmark are new cars more expensive.
The price for gas is the same in EU, there is very little pricedifference.
We do not complain, we pay not more today than for 4 years ago.
The price for 1 Liter diesel is about 1.20 euro, for gasoline 1.30 euro.
What's your point here? Most people prefer that look.
Typical Socialist thought patternThe only difference between Sweden an here with car appearance is we can choose what we like without trying to please the neighbors or some central government. And you know the old saying...."opinions are like **** holes, everyone has one".
No, most people here in the EU do not like it when it is "to much".
We can choose what we like, but most people here have the same taste, why should we then brag about something so tasteless and ridiculous as big chrome wheels and such things???
Why is the OP driving a MB with the snazzy seats when he could/should be driving a Chinese Volvo?
While the OP has a point that the marketing people have figured out how to get more money from people, he did go a bit over the top by being inflammatory.
The real difference between Europe and the US is that in Europe you have more choices - you can get a small engine with all the accessories, while in the US you have limited choices.
How many people would buy a small engine here with 16 inch wheels that don't bend at the mere mention of a pothole? We will see how many people order the electronic nannies on the latest C.
Diesel cars face much more regulations in the US, and Diesel fuel costs more. These regulations and taxes are created to regulate and tax the trucking transport industry across our great big country, but have affected diesel cars too, therefore the ratio of gas to diesel cars in the US is opposite of EU.
As an american, I agree, bigger wheels = better appearance, but I would not go above 19" as that will make the ride harsh on inferior roads, so I choose a little functionality over appearance. 16" wheels are only good for Sweden where they welcome homosexuality.
First off, I don't see a lot of big differences between your car and the stock W212 over here in looks. Most of the threads on here about customization are not the norm of what you see on the road here. And it's not like their aren't tuners over their in Europe.
Engine sizes and fuel types are a whole other discussion.
I think Mercedes are more of a mass marketed car in Europe - more locations available, smaller engines and cloth seats available. Its much more of a common car. And with the high gas prices and taxes in much of Europe, it encourages buyers to but a smaller or more fuel efficient car.
In the US, Mercedes is considered a premium brand. We can't get most of the smaller engines or cloth seats. Many options are only offered in the models with larger engines. Those who buy Mercedes either have more money than most or want to appear that they have more money.
I have 25 Chevrolet Dealers within 70 miles of me (112 km) but only 2 Mercedes Dealers within 170 miles of me (273 km). Those who have the finances to afford a more expensive car like a Mercedes or BMW also are more likely to be able to afford to customize their car with custom wheels or other things.
Gas prices are much cheaper here so there is little incentive to purchase the most fuel effecient car available. And with 3000 miles coast to coast, we have the potential to cover a lot or territory an a high rate of speed which lends itself to a vehicle with more power to cover that distance more quickly.
I'll also add that I agree with others that indicate the original post sounded a bit inflammatory. We tend to celebrate individuality here and really don't have a problem with people expressing themselves with 20 inch or 16 inch wheels, or anything in between. There are bigger issues in the world to be concerned about.
I think Mercedes are more of a mass marketed car in Europe - more locations available, smaller engines and cloth seats available. Its much more of a common car.
Yes! I can agree on that.
Mercedes is a very common car here, it is nothing special at all to drive a Mercedes nowdays, here you see a lot of Mercedes in every corner at every street, mostly A, B, C and E class.
The A class is very poular by young women.
The B class is very poular for older couples.
The C and E klass is very poular as fleet car/buissnes car at companies, they are also very popular as a stationwagon as family cars, you just want a good car for you and your family.
Here we buy a Mercedes because we want a safe, good and comfortable car with high quality.
The maintenance cost is also pretty low for the small engines so it brings pretty ok economy to drive a Mercedes.
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.
