The question posed by this poll is based on some assumptions, some of which may or may not be accurate, depending on your views.
"Would Mercedes still be king if they offerred cars of equal power?"
The first assumption in the question is that Mercedes Benz is the "king" of cars. I'm sure many people here would argue with that assumption.
The second assumption is that Mercedes Benz cars all have superior horsepower compared to the competition. This is definitly not the case for the majority of MB's products. Sure, the top of the line AMG cars are the ones most notorious for very high HP numbers. The 65 series cars are examples of cars with truly excessive HP compared to the competition. But the majority of MB cars do NOT have such a HP advantage over the competition.
For example, let's look at the C-class lineup in N. America (Mercedes' biggest seller). The C230 has a 201HP V6. The C280 has a 228HP V6. The C350 has a 268HP V6. The old C55 (now discontinued) had a 362HP V8.
Compare this to the BMW 3 series lineup in N. America. The 323i has a 200HP I6. The 328i has a 230HP I6. The 335i has a 300HP twin turbo I6. The old M3 (now discontinued) had a 333HP I6.
There is NOT a significand difference in HP output between the cars. If anything, BMW 3 series outpowers (slightly) most of the C-class range. Even though the C55 had 30 more HP than the old M3, the power to weight ratio between the two cars were virtually identical (which is why straight line acceleration between the two are very similar).
Another issue which bothers me about this poll is the implication that MB would be nothing without superior HP. I would argue that the vast majority of MB owners DO NOT care so much about performance and power. Most MB owners drive conservatively on ROADS, not race tracks. No, I would argue that most MB owners bought their cars because of 1) luxury and comfort, 2) prestige, and 3) safety. In other words, I think these are the core values that many MB customers value the most.
I do admit that the small percentage of people who buy AMG cars DO have an obssession with performance and HP (like people who buy M and S/RS cars). And yes, AMG's emphasis has historically been big engines with big HP numbers. Maybe this poll would have been more appropriate for AMG cars. In other words, would an AMG car be anything special if it didn't have superior HP over the compeitition?? Maybe someone should start another poll?
