Vs C300 vs IS250

[carlvr2500]

Hey guys, I know this isn't the best place to post this since you guys probably hate both brands, but i want a neutral, unbiased response (which i didnt get on other forums). So, With just basic option packages, (Price is around 35-36k) which car is better in these aspects:

1) Sportyness and Performance:

IS250: 204hp, 185 tq, 0-60: 7.9 1/4:15.59 (according to dragtimes.com)

C300: 228hp, 221 tq, 0-60: 7.1 1/4: 15.01 (according to dragtimes.com)

2) Utility/Space:

IS250 only good for 2-3 adults, interior very cramped, useless backseat, trunk is decent though

C300: don't know...but my friends 05 C230's backseat could fit 2 average size adults atleast

3) Luxuriousness:

You guys tell me

Based on the following, price aside, just looking at the car as a whole, which does the job better of being a "sport sedan"? Is the C300 an upgrade?

Oh, and on freeway ramps, would both cars still lose to a Rav 4? I did a few times...not fun

I drive IS250 btw

 

[klier]

The C class is a better engineered car in every way imo. It has more luxury options, better quality, better styling, roughly the same test data as IS and about the same interior space...

 

[ree]

Voted for the C300 here!! Much better looking car and the interior quality is also better (IMO)-

 

[Monster]

I have driven the IS250 and the C200k, for me, it is the C class without a doubt. The Lexus feels slow, a bit heavy, the interior design is a bit random, the buttons reminds me of my 15 year old Sony home audio system.

It depends on which engine the RA4 has, if it has the 3.0 V6, it will be a close call between that and the C300.

 

[fortuner]

Mate i own a c220cdi and a c63 and i have driven a lexus is.
You can not even compare them the cw204 is way way ahead.

Forgot dnt even wimmer see this thread lol.

 

[cawimmer430]

I've driven a lot of W204 C-Classes and they're solid, well-engineered, comfortable, handle well and feel like a proper Mercedes.. The C-Class on a whole is the much better balanced car. I was lucky enough to take some of the C-Classes unto the Autobahn where I tried to get a perception of their high speed handling: it was top notch.

I live in Europe, so I'm going to mention some European reviews of the IS. Most reviews of the Lexus IS250 in Europe have not been great. The engine is cited as being lazy and the fuel economy isn't that great because of that. Even the IS220d has gotten better reviews than the IS250 in Europe because it doesn't feel underpowered and the gas mileage is decent. From a value point of view the IS cannot be beaten, but it lacks the overall finish and balance of the C-Class. That's not only my opinion but the opinion of many testers as well (in Europe). Keep in mind that I've never driven the IS250, but plenty of reviews here didn't like it.

Naturally, since this is a German car forum most members will be biased to the C-Class. But this doesn't mean we don't like the IS. The IS is most formidable only in IS350 form if you value performance and handling and value. The IS220d and IS250 versions can almost be described as "half ass attempts".

The C-Class also kills the IS in attention to detail. Look at this for example:

C-Class:


IS:



Hope this helps.

 

[Zafiro]

If you want a reliable car and with a lower price buy the Lexus but as a complete package C-class is the car to have.

 

[NarutoRamen]

I'd take the benz easily. If you were to bring in the C350 vs. the IS300 then there could be issues, but the IS250 is so underpowered that it would be better to buy an Acura TSX over that crap any day.

 

[Merc1]

Interesting comparo. I'd chose the C-Class only because of the superior feel of the chassis. Very agile, but rides good and feels as solid as they come. The Lexus has some interior surfaces that look and feel more luxurious, but overall the interior seems quite a bit smaller. Believe it or not the Lexus' driving position is much sportier as they went after BMW with the IS. Both offer AWD so its a wash there. C300 has more power and I've driven both (C300 as a loaner car, IS250 at Taste of Lexus event) and the C300 feels and is faster. Lexus will be more reliability if you want to count 1 extra trip to the dealer for the Benz in a year, as being less reliable. Safety, Mercedes-Benz, handling, Mercedes-Benz, dealer treatment, survey now says Mercedes-Benz. I can't find a single, overwhelming reason as to why anyone would buy the Lexus. Unless its a IS350 the Lexus isn't the car IMO.


M

 

[ateekt]

Imo, this is the most interesting poll here! 100% results (21 votes yet) for single contender, the Merc!

 

[Sunny]

IS250, no way, but for 3k more than C300 you can get a I350 and I would defnitely pick it over C300. The price difference is probably even lesser if similarity equipped.

 

[carlvr2500]

wow...100% c300...quite amazing. Is it really THAT much better than the IS? What's funny is that right now i own an IS250 and was wondering if the c class would be considered an upgrade

 

[Zafiro]

wow...100% c300...quite amazing. Is it really THAT much better than the IS? What's funny is that right now i own an IS250 and was wondering if the c class would be considered an upgrade

this place is called germancarforum.com

 

[cawimmer430]

wow...100% c300...quite amazing. Is it really THAT much better than the IS? What's funny is that right now i own an IS250 and was wondering if the c class would be considered an upgrade

Compared to the IS250 the C300 is the better car by far if value-for-money doesn't mean much to you. The IS is perceived to be more reliable, but the new C-Class has gotten good marks from owners for reliability as well.

The IS350 will generally handle better and be quicker than the C350, but the overall balance and maturity the C-Class has in almost all other categories still won't be touched by the IS. Not even close. Then again the IS350 is trying to attack the G37 and BMW 3-Series whereas the C-Class doesn't target the driving dynamics of those rivals at all. The C-Class sells because of its balance - balance between sport, luxury, comfort, space etc.


Oh yeah, and this is GERMANCarForum.

 

[carlvr2500]

Compared to the IS250 the C300 is the better car by far if value-for-money doesn't mean much to you. The IS is perceived to be more reliable, but the new C-Class has gotten good marks from owners for reliability as well.

The IS350 will generally handle better and be quicker than the C350, but the overall balance and maturity the C-Class has in almost all other categories still won't be touched by the IS. Not even close. Then again the IS350 is trying to attack the G37 and BMW 3-Series whereas the C-Class doesn't target the driving dynamics of those rivals at all. The C-Class sells because of its balance - balance between sport, luxury, comfort, space etc.


Oh yeah, and this is GERMANCarForum.

And another thing, Should i opt for a 08 C350 (US version) or get a '10 C300?

 

[carlvr2500]

this place is called germancarforum.com

hahaha always wanted a german sedan in my stable, just needed to find the right one

 

[Shining Star]

And another thing, Should i opt for a 08 C350 (US version) or get a '10 C300?

This depends on a couple of things:

1. Do you need AWD? If so, the C350 is RWD only.
2. Want a manual? Only available on the C300.
3. Do you need the extra power?

If you can get a low mileage C350 with the options you want for less than or close to a well- optioned C300, I would go for a C350.

 

[carlvr2500]

This depends on a couple of things:

1. Do you need AWD? If so, the C350 is RWD only.
2. Want a manual? Only available on the C300.
3. Do you need the extra power?

If you can get a low mileage C350 with the options you want for less than or close to a well- optioned C300, I would go for a C350.

1. Nope i live in Southern California, RWD all the way
2. Nope i want an auto
3. Depends...I don't know how fast C300 is, but i think my IS250 is slowwww as hell...don't want to lose to Rav4 V6's anymore

The only problem i have is that in the US atleast, for 08 we got power folding mirrors with puddle lights and 8 way seats with controls on the seats. For 09 we got new dials, memory seats with 10 way and controls on the doors, but lost the power folding and puddle lights. Which one do you think is more important?

 

[cawimmer430]

And another thing, Should i opt for a 08 C350 (US version) or get a '10 C300?

It depends on what you need. The C350 is really fast, the C300 is fast. Personally, a C300 is already too much for my needs. I'd be just as happy with a normal C180 Kompressor A/T or C220 CDI (C200 CDI is really slow). I suspect a C300 will totally suit your needs. It's quicker than the IS250 by far.

If you opt for a C350 there are many more cars you can beat with it than with a C300. Street racing is not encouraged though.

 

[carlvr2500]

It depends on what you need. The C350 is really fast, the C300 is fast. Personally, a C300 is already too much for my needs. I'd be just as happy with a normal C180 Kompressor A/T or C220 CDI (C200 CDI is really slow). I suspect a C300 will totally suit your needs. It's quicker than the IS250 by far.

If you opt for a C350 there are many more cars you can beat with it than with a C300. Street racing is not encouraged though.

Oh of course not on the streets...sike