Help Me Choose My Next Car (The Verdict Is In!!)

[siko]

Alright folks! I'm still undecided as to what I should lease next, so I want your help.

The candidates:

• BMW 328i (manual/black/black)
• Mercedes-Benz C300 (manual/black/grey)

The price and equipment are virtually the same… the differences are pointed out below.

NOTE... BETTER implies IMO of course!!!

328i Pros

• Better interior ergonomics
• Better driving dynamics (not by much though)
• Better acceleration (6.7s vs. 7.2s)
• Electronic limited slip differential (not sure about the C)
• Free maintenance program (MB will cost me 800~1200$ over lease period)
• Electric seats w/memory (C300 only has electric seats)

C300 Pros

• Better interior finish
• Better exterior looks (not by much though)
• AMG sports kit
• Adaptive headlights
• Headlights washer system (not even option on 328i ?? )
• LCD screen for computer (even w/o Command nav. system)

Please post any contructive comments!





P.S. Please don’t turn this into a BMW vs. MB thread!

[ateekt]

My vote goes to the king-of-the-hill, best compact-sports sedan since her debute, the 3-series ...!

[ree]

I would choose the BMW here. It is more a drives car and I'm still not a fan of the C-Class design. I also love the engine of the BMW and the interior looks great.

[Centurion]

The C-class is newer and does look more fresh, unless you are planning on getting the facelifted 3er. As always the bimmer offer better acceleration which is a great bonus, especially when it's half a second faster. Both cars are just as great and in the end it coems down to driving both and discovering which one gives you the biggest smile.

[Yannis]

Originally Posted by Centurion

The C-class is newer and does look more fresh

Ι agree with that.

Why don't you consider the new A4 as well. IMO it's the new class leader.

[Centurion]

Originally Posted by Yannis

Ι agree with that.

Why don't you consider the new A4 as well. IMO it's the new class leader.

Although the new A4 does look quite dull the reviews have been highly positive.

[siko]

Originally Posted by Yannis

Why don't you consider the new A4 as well. IMO it's the new class leader.

To be honest, in terms of looks the B8 is the nicest of all 3 (I saw a few in the metal in Europe), but...

Here are the main reasons against an A4:

1. no RWD; even quattro is the same dull 50/50 torque split (I'd only get an Audi with rear bias quattro)
2. the new B8 A4 is not yet available here
3. the end-of-life B7 edition of the old A4 is 89$/month more then the 2 candidates above (Note it's a quattro vs. others cheaper RWD, but I'd never buy a FWD sport sedan); Audi have horrible lease options in Canada, so imagine the payments when the new one comes in
4. a bit higher insurance premium

[DaSilva]

M E R C E D E S

Be a STAR

[The Artist]

Go on and get the benz..
As it looks so much more upmarket than the competition..especially with AMG package..
But i would advise you to go for the AT tranny..
Other than that i cant see much going on for the bimmer..
Its a great car..but its in for a FL.. and its starting to look its age..

[siko]

^^ Why auto tranny?