4 cyl vs V6. Opinions PLEASE !
#1
4 cyl vs V6. Opinions PLEASE !
Just returned from the UK where I rented a C Class for 10 days. I loved it. While it was a bit cramped for 4 people with luggage, I loved the feel on the road as well as the power. Now I am looking at an E Class, to take advantage of the bigger cabin and improved Technology, BUT, I am concerned about the 4 cyl power plant in this heavier car. I am just not a fan of 4 bangers and wish I had a V6 option, but I don't. Those of you that have driven the V6 models (up thru 2016) and then transitioned to the 4 (2017 and on), what do you think? Is it just a matter of getting used to slightly horsepower? Is the engine smooth like a V6 at idle and acceleration. Do you have ANY complaints about the 4 cyl?
I am looking at 2017 models and would sure like to hear from those of you that have experienced the 4 cyl. Thanks for your help.
I am looking at 2017 models and would sure like to hear from those of you that have experienced the 4 cyl. Thanks for your help.
#2
Just returned from the UK where I rented a C Class for 10 days. I loved it. While it was a bit cramped for 4 people with luggage, I loved the feel on the road as well as the power. Now I am looking at an E Class, to take advantage of the bigger cabin and improved Technology, BUT, I am concerned about the 4 cyl power plant in this heavier car. I am just not a fan of 4 bangers and wish I had a V6 option, but I don't. Those of you that have driven the V6 models (up thru 2016) and then transitioned to the 4 (2017 and on), what do you think? Is it just a matter of getting used to slightly horsepower? Is the engine smooth like a V6 at idle and acceleration. Do you have ANY complaints about the 4 cyl?
I am looking at 2017 models and would sure like to hear from those of you that have experienced the 4 cyl. Thanks for your help.
I am looking at 2017 models and would sure like to hear from those of you that have experienced the 4 cyl. Thanks for your help.
#3
MBWorld Fanatic!
I had an E400 (333 HP) and now an E300 (241 HP). The E300 is barely adequate for city driving. There are several transmission flat spots when trying to accelerate especially from the lower gears. It is like the car can't decide if it should down shift or not. I won't take it on long trips because acceleration for passing (60 - 80 mph) is lacking leaving one stuck behind a slower moving vehicle on 2 lane roads. Unfortunately the E43 carries a five figure price premium. If you can purchase a non-AMG V6 in your market, I highly recommend doing so.
#4
I had an E400 (333 HP) and now an E300 (241 HP). The E300 is barely adequate for city driving. There are several transmission flat spots when trying to accelerate especially from the lower gears. It is like the car can't decide if it should down shift or not. I won't take it on long trips because acceleration for passing (60 - 80 mph) is lacking leaving one stuck behind a slower moving vehicle on 2 lane roads. Unfortunately the E43 carries a five figure price premium. If you can purchase a non-AMG V6 in your market, I highly recommend doing so.
#5
Senior Member
Had a 2014 E350 V6 came to the E300, and i miss my old car. The E300 is unrefined, no torque after about 40mph and just screams when you want to accelerate while driving. Recently had the E400 coupe and it was a true Mercedes, no drama quite refined engine, and could easily hit 100mph without any worries. The E300 is a harsh unrefined unfinished product with a V6 price tag, truly a disappointment. But the one part that it has a upper hand is that weighs less so the front part of the car is more nimble. In conclusion, it doesn't feel like you are driving a Mercedes, more like a Honda accord.
#6
Junior Member
The E400 wagon, with its six-cylinder engine, has all the power needed for merging onto expressways and for swift passing (or, as the British say, overtaking) on two-lane roads. On a recent trip of several thousand miles, mostly on country roads in the US and Canada, we were never at a loss for power, even when we had to pass two long trucks at a time. In fact, we made frequent use of the P3 cruise control to avoid inadvertently exceeding the speed limit. Gas mileage was around 30 miles per US gallon.
I haven't driven the four-cylinder E300, but I wouldn't want a less powerful engine.
I haven't driven the four-cylinder E300, but I wouldn't want a less powerful engine.
#7
MBWorld Fanatic!
I have a 43 which is obviously amply powered. I test drove the 300 and found it more than adequate. It was refined, quiet and well powered the transmission always seem to pick the right ratio. On sport plus it was even fairly entertaining to drive. Of course its not a v6 but you wont have priuses killing you at stoplights either. In exchange for less power you get excellent fuel economy. The engine is perfectly adequate as long as you dont expect it to be a hot rod.
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#8
MBWorld Fanatic!
I have a 43 which is obviously amply powered. I test drove the 300 and found it more than adequate. It was refined, quiet and well powered the transmission always seem to pick the right ratio. On sport plus it was even fairly entertaining to drive. Of course its not a v6 but you wont have priuses killing you at stoplights either. In exchange for less power you get excellent fuel economy. The engine is perfectly adequate as long as you dont expect it to be a hot rod.
#9
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Join Date: Feb 2014
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2008 E350 4Matic, 2011 E350 4matic
You could just wait for the E400 sedan. Still not out yet, not sure when, but it's supposed to be out for 2018. It will have a V6.
https://blog.caranddriver.com/2018-m...peed-for-c300/
The old saying that there's no replacement for displacement may still be true.
https://blog.caranddriver.com/2018-m...peed-for-c300/
The old saying that there's no replacement for displacement may still be true.
#10
Junior Member
Just returned from the UK where I rented a C Class for 10 days. I loved it. While it was a bit cramped for 4 people with luggage, I loved the feel on the road as well as the power. Now I am looking at an E Class, to take advantage of the bigger cabin and improved Technology, BUT, I am concerned about the 4 cyl power plant in this heavier car. I am just not a fan of 4 bangers and wish I had a V6 option, but I don't. Those of you that have driven the V6 models (up thru 2016) and then transitioned to the 4 (2017 and on), what do you think? Is it just a matter of getting used to slightly horsepower? Is the engine smooth like a V6 at idle and acceleration. Do you have ANY complaints about the 4 cyl?
I am looking at 2017 models and would sure like to hear from those of you that have experienced the 4 cyl. Thanks for your help.
I am looking at 2017 models and would sure like to hear from those of you that have experienced the 4 cyl. Thanks for your help.
The six is far superior in power, power deliver (bi-turbo) and smooth effortless power anytime you need and want it. Fuel economy is also excellent if that matters doesn't much to me but I'll take it.
For me I'm sticking with the larger engine until a good electric option takes over.
Last edited by Mitch105; 11-15-2017 at 05:25 PM.
#11
MBWorld Fanatic!
I wouldn't call the 4 cylinder quiet by any stretch of the imagination. It sounds like diesel chatter when idling. Today I encountered another transmission flat spot when I attempted to accelerate from 35 mph. I increased the throttle by about 2 inches during a turn and there was a long pause with no response. Finally the car responded but did not change gears. IIRC it was in 5th gear. Very scary in heavy traffic.
#13
Senior Member
#15
MBWorld Fanatic!
Sure as long as you show up with an additional 40k we have a deal! I just find it really confusing that someone would drop 60k on a car they feel doesnt meet their acceleration expectations. I liked the 300 just fine though I personally wanted sport car thrust levels thus I spent the additional $$$ to do so. All E class competitors have a base car equipped with a 4 turbo. Given that the v8 e class goes for 125k a v6 for 72k is a bargain.
Last edited by c4004matic; 11-15-2017 at 11:08 PM.
#16
Senior Member
I had a S213 loaner for 3 weeks last June. I was more than impressed by the transmission/engine powertrain. I had my E550 in for service yesterday, and I asked about the E400, with the sales staff. They told me that they expected them to arrive around Jan. 1st. I had an E300 sedan for a loner. IMO, lacking compared to the V6. YMMV
Last edited by davidjohnbamber; 11-16-2017 at 12:29 AM. Reason: grammar
#18
Senior Member
I have the engine in a C-Class. The car is quick enough, but I hate the engine sound. Never again for me.
#19
I own a 2013 S212 v6 and have borrowed the C300 a few times. Immediate impression is that the 4cyl is noisy from inside the car and sounds like an angry sewing machine. It feels high strung and spends a lot of time in the higher revs to gain and maintain speed. The transmission also shifts a lot in order to find the right gear for the 4cyl small power band. Acceleration is good enough in the C, but again...comes with a lot of bad sounding engine noise. The same engine in a bigger heavier car like the E will be even more taxed. Driving the v6 felt smooth as butter after experiencing the 4cyl. Best of luck!
#20
MBWorld Fanatic!
I wouldn't call the 4 cylinder quiet by any stretch of the imagination. It sounds like diesel chatter when idling. Today I encountered another transmission flat spot when I attempted to accelerate from 35 mph. I increased the throttle by about 2 inches during a turn and there was a long pause with no response. Finally the car responded but did not change gears. IIRC it was in 5th gear. Very scary in heavy traffic.
#22
MBWorld Fanatic!
I own a 2013 S212 v6 and have borrowed the C300 a few times. Immediate impression is that the 4cyl is noisy from inside the car and sounds like an angry sewing machine. It feels high strung and spends a lot of time in the higher revs to gain and maintain speed. The transmission also shifts a lot in order to find the right gear for the 4cyl small power band. Acceleration is good enough in the C, but again...comes with a lot of bad sounding engine noise. The same engine in a bigger heavier car like the E will be even more taxed. Driving the v6 felt smooth as butter after experiencing the 4cyl. Best of luck!
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arnsbrae (11-16-2017)
#23
So! Here’s the skinny:
The 4cyl transmission is mapped for a good mid-range grunt, mostly for freeway on ramps and a decently quick acceleration from a stop. However, top-end power is lacking and it struggles to overtake. The reason is that in the US most applications of power are for those few instances.
The 6cyl E400 is designed for a much broader application of torque and a very wide powerband available at all times. This isn’t necessarily for super-sporty driving however. It was actually made for European roads where high motorway speeds and rapid overtakes are actually more important than on ramps or 0-60. In fact, the transmission mapping is *worse* imho for 0-60 than the 4cyl!
The basic question you should answer is which is more important? Efficiency and a little bit of zing, or refinement and a hugely broad power band that’s always on?
The 4cyl transmission is mapped for a good mid-range grunt, mostly for freeway on ramps and a decently quick acceleration from a stop. However, top-end power is lacking and it struggles to overtake. The reason is that in the US most applications of power are for those few instances.
The 6cyl E400 is designed for a much broader application of torque and a very wide powerband available at all times. This isn’t necessarily for super-sporty driving however. It was actually made for European roads where high motorway speeds and rapid overtakes are actually more important than on ramps or 0-60. In fact, the transmission mapping is *worse* imho for 0-60 than the 4cyl!
The basic question you should answer is which is more important? Efficiency and a little bit of zing, or refinement and a hugely broad power band that’s always on?
#24
Buying a car is such a personal thing and the reason manufacturers produce a range is to give customers choice....if you consider a car to be just a means of getting from A to B in comfort and without any drama (or rush) then I’m sure a 4 cyl. would more than satisfy your needs....personally I love cars and enjoy driving, my E43 puts a big smile on my face every time I get in it...would I be happy with a 4 cyl.?....ABSOLUTELY NOT...but that shouldn’t sway your decision, if having driven the car of your choice it fits your needs and budget go for it.....just be careful, don’t spend the next 3 years wishing you’d bought bigger....I find that the pain of handing over the cash soon disappears, the car on your drive doesn’t.
Last edited by E43uk; 11-16-2017 at 04:30 PM.
#25
Junior Member
Buying a car is such a personal thing and the reason manufacturers produce a range is to give customers choice....if you consider a car to be just a means of getting from A to B in comfort and without any drama (or rush) then I’m sure a 4 cyl. would more than satisfy your needs....personally I love cars and enjoy driving, my E43 puts a big smile on my face every time I get in it...would I be happy with a 4 cyl.?....ABSOLUTELY NOT...but that shouldn’t sway your decision, if having driven the car of your choice it fits your needs and budget go for it.....just be careful, don’t spend the next 3 years wishing you’d bought bigger....I find that the pain of handing over the cash soon disappears, the car on your drive doesn’t.