Vs Swedish AMS: BMW 330i vs Mercedes C280

[klier]

330i compares to C280 and 335i compares to C350, price wise. It's not BMWs problem MB makese slow thirsty engines/car.
It's quite simple actually, the 3er and C are in the exact same klasse, and for the same price, you get a lesser model at MB. No kidding it loses...

And what is an 'unfair power advantage' anyway? the MB engine is 3.5 liters, while the BMW engine is only 3.0 liters. That's an unfair power advantage too.....Imagine the BMW engine with .5 liters more!

 

[Bruce]

And what is an 'unfair power advantage' anyway? the MB engine is 3.5 liters, while the BMW engine is only 3.0 liters. That's an unfair power advantage too.....Imagine the BMW engine with .5 liters more!

Sorry, but I don't agree with that. Who cares if the BMW engine has lower displacement? Bigger displacement isn't a power advantage

 

[klier]

Of couse it is.

 

[Bruce]

Of couse it is.

Given the circumstances of today's market I don't believe you can necessarily say that it is given advantage - especially when a car has more displacement, but less power (or weaker performance) than it's competitior.

 

[bmer]

I think the customers are still comparing the top-of-the-line (non-M) 3 Series vs. the C-Class equivalent, so 335i vs. C350.

 

[cawimmer430]

330i compares to C280 and 335i compares to C350, price wise. It's not BMWs problem MB makese slow thirsty engines/car.
It's quite simple actually, the 3er and C are in the exact same klasse, and for the same price, you get a lesser model at MB. No kidding it loses...

And what is an 'unfair power advantage' anyway? the MB engine is 3.5 liters, while the BMW engine is only 3.0 liters. That's an unfair power advantage too.....Imagine the BMW engine with .5 liters more!

The C280 tested here has a 3.0 V6, not a 3.5-l V6.

 

[ALI]

LOL , I swear , I can just keep posting my thanks to wimmer's posts , but that would be rediculous ...Anyhow , I think I thanked him on what impressed me the most as of info and thoughts ... Goodlooking out man ...

Oh yeah , and the PRESTIGE PRICING thingy was just lovely , makes sooo much sense , actually makes more sense than this whole comparison , 2 words that to me make more sense then a whole comparison , I think ive said enough to make my self clear about my thoughts about this comparo ...

 

[Zafiro]

Prestige pricing, let me laugh. MB got you all around their fingers. You guys have fallen for it.

 

[Mr. M]

330i compares to C280 and 335i compares to C350, price wise. It's not BMWs problem MB makese slow thirsty engines/car.
It's quite simple actually, the 3er and C are in the exact same klasse, and for the same price, you get a lesser model at MB. No kidding it loses...

And what is an 'unfair power advantage' anyway? the MB engine is 3.5 liters, while the BMW engine is only 3.0 liters. That's an unfair power advantage too.....Imagine the BMW engine with .5 liters more!

I get what you mean. There are two perspectives here though: one, is that Mercedes prices its cars very high, because of prestige pricing. From this we get the impression that Mercedes can price their cars lower if they want to but their higher price is justified. Hence, this perspective offers the view that a car like the C350 should be compared with a car like the 335i.

And two, is that Mercedes loses to BMW power-wise when compared in terms of pricing. In this perspective, it is justified that a C280 should be compared to a 335i. It'll be a neverending cycle arguing about this...

Prestige pricing, let me laugh. MB got you all around their fingers. You guys have fallen for it.

I can safely say that the Mercedes brand is the most powerful among BMW and Audi... And even Porsche. People are willing to pay for it, that's a fact.

 

[Zafiro]

I can safely say that the Mercedes brand is the most powerful among BMW and Audi... And even Porsche. People are willing to pay for it, that's a fact.

Like I said people have fallen for it. Thats a fact too!

 

[merve_extreme]

Like I said people have fallen for it. Thats a fact too!

but thats what brand image is supposed to do,make people fall for it.

 

[Mr. M]

Like I said people have fallen for it. Thats a fact too!

I guess... So it's just something like an illusion to you? Nothing more? One must ask then, why BMW or Audi can't do 'prestige pricing' as much as MB does...

 

[Zafiro]

I guess... So it's just something like an illusion to you? Nothing more? One must ask then, why BMW or Audi can't do 'prestige pricing' as much as MB does...

1. I dont have the knowledge
2. I dont care.

C280 is overpriced, period! there is no need to try to defend Mercedes. Some things just are.

 

[mrkc77]

Hmm

Well of course the BMW will win if the main weighting or considerations are performance, as in speed, acceleration, dynamics etc. That is where BMW's traditionally excel, and if that is your main priority in buying a car, then that is what you should get. Assuming of course that you are actually going to buy one, and not just indulging in a self pleasuring brand love fest.

And we do not know if the Mercedes was equipped with Advanced Agility control system either.

I also note that the Mercedes was scored higher on other issues that are important in assesing a car such as comfort, quality, costs, safety, trunk space, ergonomics, and environment.

Quite a list.

Still, if sportiness or performance as it relates to speed, acceleration, etc, is of prime performance to a potential buyer at the cost of other qualities, then the BMW is clearly the better of the two cars.

For me, I want a balance of qualities or performance attributes in a vehicle when I am paying for it, and owning it, not just having a day dream about driving one around, which is why not withstanding the advantages of the BMW, I'd probably go for the Benz - not because I think it is the better car, so much as just different, and a difference that personally appeals to my tastes and requirements in a car, more.

If you REALLY want sportiness in a car, you buy maybe an M series BMW, or something else instead. Like Porsche, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Lotus, Caterham, etc. The standard 3 series BMW is a sporty saloon, and a damn good one, but a proper sports car it aint. Nor is it designed to be.

With all due respect, all this grandstanding and hand clapping that the BMW is 'better' or 'Kills' the Mercedes because it is more sporty etc, is just a bit of a short sighted and overly narrow viewpoint IMHO. They are both truly excellent vehicles, and will appeal to different buyers for different reasons - not a better or worse scenario IMV & Experience.

Best Regards

John...

Well said, John

Yes, the 3er is still the benchmark but for me, I still buy the W204. Why? Cos I like it much more than the 3. Simple. It may lose out on performance but hey, I'm not and won't be driving the car on a race track, the C280's 170kW and even the C230 with 150kW would be enough for me in everyday driving.

 

[Zafiro]

It may lose out on performance but hey, I'm not and won't be driving the car on a race track

I wont be doing any trackdriving either but I still choose 3er becuase of the line between comfort and how it drives.

To each his own

 

[mrkc77]

1. I dont have the knowledge
2. I dont care.

C280 is overpriced, period! there is no need to try to defend Mercedes. Some things just are.

Yes, it is overpriced but hey, ppl are still buying it because they want to and can afford to.

In NO WAY I'm saying you can't afford this or that (I mean, BMW is not exactly cheap either!!) but thats the way it is. Hell, if ppl want value for money, they probably look at the Swedish brands (SAAB, Volvo) or Japanese (Lexus, Infinity) who traditionally, offer a lot more in equipment.

 

[Zafiro]

Yes, it is overpriced but hey, ppl are still buying it because they want to and can afford to. That life.

Of course just like there are people buying luxury boats, big houses, sex and guns. Thats how humans work, afterall we come from the monkeys

 

[mrkc77]

I wont be doing any trackdriving either but I still choose 3er becuase of the line between comfort and how it drives.

To each his own

See, we all have own personal tastes.

 

[ALI]

I wont be doing any trackdriving either but I still choose 3er becuase of the line between comfort and how it drives.

To each his own

LOL , how funny !! what kind of comfort are you talking about ? its probably comfortable in comparison to a lotus , but nothing in comparison to the C-class , driving dynamics and sporty drive is the same thing , it has to do with the engine , other than that , i dont think the 3er outhandles the C-class , and styling is more than just emotions , its also a fact , you can say the 3er looks better LMAO , but be sure to convince yourself b4 even convincing us , talk is cheap , just cause its a BMW ?? come on man , be real for once !! More over , there is a reason for why I am an MB fan and why ive fallen for it , its worth every penny's cost , a Mercedes Benz is a real car full of prestige and quality , it is in general the best brand of quality and durability ... Maybe right now u might say its expensive buddy , but 20 years from now , it will always be what was from day 1 , the most durable car of its segment in any segment in which MB is concerned ...

Face it , the C-class is a better car than the 3er , this time they did it right , and they made it what it should be , another real Mercedes Benz ....

 

[Zafiro]

LOL , how funny !! what kind of comfort are you talking about ? its probably comfortable in comparison to a lotus , but nothing in comparison to the C-class , driving dynamics and sporty drive is the same thing , it has to do with the engine , other than that , i dont think the 3er outhandles the C-class , and styling is more than just emotions , its also a fact , you can say the 3er looks better LMAO , but be sure to convince yourself b4 even convincing us , talk is cheap , just cause its a BMW ?? come on man , be real for once !! More over , there is a reason for why I am an MB fan and why ive fallen for it , its worth every penny's cost , a Mercedes Benz is a real car full of prestige and quality , it is in general the best brand of quality and durability ... Maybe right now u might say its expensive buddy , but 20 years from now , it will always be what was from day 1 , the most durable car of its segment in any segment in which MB is concerned ...

Face it , the C-class is a better car than the 3er , this time they did it right , and they made it what it should be , another real Mercedes Benz ....

sorry but I disagree with you to 316%....
C-class better than 3er, thats in the eye of the beholder...
You hardly set the rules what others should think...

sorry Ali but not you act like the old days. You have to much Benz blood floating in your vains