MB vs BMW vs Porsche

[JLBM]

Hi guys
My Panamera's service plan ends in 5 months. The new Panny is too costly, so I have the following three options available to me and I'm not sure which to go for. Any comments would be welcome, although I understand you are all busy people! Thanks..

The cars would be brand new.

1. BMW 440i convertible (well specced)
2. MB C43 Coupe (well specced)
3. 718 Boxster S (well specced)

Cheers..

 

[nikola1984]

Of course:
BMW 440i convertible

 

[Cashmere]

6 cylinders = 6 course meal
4 cylinders = 4 course meal

By that notion, the boxster is out. Either of the other options should fill you in a satisfactory manner.

 

[klier]

I'd go for an M4 cabrio. The best looking 4 seat cabrio after the RR Dawn.

If too expensive, definitely the 440i.
Boxter is small, cramped and and pretty featureless (but a great drive). MB is a bit of this and a bit of that. And I dislike the looks of the coupe.

 

[JLBM]

Thanks guys. the M4 cab is awesome, but will attract 40% devaluation the second I drive it off the showroom....

 

[LaArtist]

C43

 

[martinbo]

That's quite an eclectic mix of cars you're listing as your options so I gather the ML is to be doing duty as the family conveyance, or is it?
So uncle Toby will razzle you 1.2 bar for a nicely specced Boxster S...
For that money and for a nice replacement for the Panny, why not the very lovely E43 AMG? It starts at R 1 165 000. I don't think you'll be happy with a 4er. Really, I don't.
The problem with 718 Boxster S is that new 4 pot - whilst very very impressive for what it is - still isn't a patch on the old six.
In the end, I would say C43 Coupe too, but, just for a new experience, why not go for the rather interesting GLC 43 Coupe?

 

[fortuner]

Hey I would also suggest a E 43 or GLC 43 ..from your list a blue c43 they amazing.

 

[klier]

I don't think you'll be happy with a 4er. Really, I don't.

Why is that?

The problem with 718 Boxster S is that new 4 pot - whilst very very impressive for what it is - still isn't a patch on the old six.

International engine of the year. The Boxter S engine is pretty amazing imo.

 

[Eng.ahad]

I think it depends on your personal preference, for me the Boxter is out of the picture since its a 2 seater, it wont do for me unless I have lets say 2 other cars.

Now, if we go with the 440i and C43, performance wise the C43 has slightly the upper hand, while I doubt that you will need to compare them on the track so I will stop here.

Technology wise and interior the C43 also has the upper hand since the 4 series interior looks old.

Lastly, the exterior for me I prefer the 440i since it looks more aggressive (its essential in this class of cars), I don't know why but when I see this car it moves my emotions, in addition it has a slightly lower price.

Eng.ahad preference:-

1- 440i
2- C43
3- Boxster

Note: there is no bad choice all of the above cars are nice

 

[hovabongZA]

Not a fan of the C43.440i is nice but I'd go for the M4 ...so that leaves the Boxter that's the car I'd opt for amongst that 3.

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

Will any of these cars live up to your Panamera, not just in terms of performance, but in all other respects such as luxury, quality, refinement, prestige etc.

 

[JLBM]

Will any of these cars live up to your Panamera, not just in terms of performance, but in all other respects such as luxury, quality, refinement, prestige etc.

Certainly not in terms of luxury and prestige. But these cars are half the price..

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

Is it not feasible to keep the Panny a little while longer and then replace it?

If not, Marten's E43 suggestion sounds spot on. It seems to offer the best blend of performance, luxury and technology at the price point required.

Just out of interest, how much have Panny prices gone up? A South African friend of mine mentioned that car prices in general have gone a little crazy over there.

 

[martinbo]

A South African friend of mine mentioned that car prices in general have gone a little crazy over there.

Don't get me f#cking started. I'm telling you - there's collusion in the SA market between the car makers/importers. They know that there's a consumer psychosis when it comes buying cars in this country and, with readily available finance/leasing over 72 months plus residuals, they're only to happy to pander to consumers' desires for "everything now" and the never ending debt spiral that results therefrom.

Nearly a million ZARbucks (not that they're worth much these days) for optioned 530i and E 250. Yes - those are four cylinder models. Holy heck - someone's pulling the piss...

 

[klier]

If not, Marten's E43 suggestion sounds spot on. It seems to offer the best blend of performance, luxury and technology at the price point required.

What's spot on about a model he is not asking for? If you suggest the E43, I will suggest the M550i. It's just a bit more expensive, has a V8 and is far ahead of any E class minus the real AMG models.

@martinbo, I still wonder why you'd take the C coupe? Is it because you'd take it over a cabrio or would you also take the C coupe over the 4er coupe?

 

[martinbo]

@martinbo, I still wonder why you'd take the C coupe? Is it because you'd take it over a cabrio or would you also take the C coupe over the 4er coupe?

It's not about what I would take. It's what I'm thinking on behalf of JLBM - sorta like putting myself in his shoes. Primarily, the interior of the F3x doesn't resonate with him, it's going to bug him and he'll be unsatisfied with his purchase, I feel. I personally would not buy a 4er Cabrio because I don't like the roof and weight gain. That being said, from a personal standpoint, I would not buy a C-Class family model over any other F3x model. Yes - that includes that turd of a 420d GC.

What's spot on about a model he is not asking for? If you suggest the E43, I will suggest the M550i. It's just a bit more expensive, has a V8 and is far ahead of any E class minus the real AMG models

This thread has local relevance. The 550i isn't available in SA. Jy moet konsentreer boet.

 

[klier]

Jy moet konsentreer boet.

Ja dat hoor ik wel vaker!

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

What's spot on about a model he is not asking for? If you suggest the E43, I will suggest the M550i. It's just a bit more expensive, has a V8 and is far ahead of any E class minus the real AMG models.

Using my amazing powers of deduction I figured, if JLBM has said he doesn't particularly like the new 5-series, perhaps he wouldn't want one.

That and the fact @martinbo didn't mention it. So I figured it wasn't yet available there.

I'm a genius I tell you.

 

[JLBM]

Is it not feasible to keep the Panny a little while longer and then replace it?

If not, Marten's E43 suggestion sounds spot on. It seems to offer the best blend of performance, luxury and technology at the price point required.

Just out of interest, how much have Panny prices gone up? A South African friend of mine mentioned that car prices in general have gone a little crazy over there.

The replacement cost for my 2015 Panamera is double the price I paid for it!