2009 Mercedes Benz E350 vs. 2009 Mercedes Benz C300

[IB Adrian]

Hey guys, This is a more common debate: E-Class vs. C-Class. But the price and offerings variance makes for a tough decision. Which E-Class proves itself worth every extra cent over the C-Class? Which C-Class makes the E-Class look like a shiny rolling furnace you throw your wallet into? Here's the article in case you missed it: http://www.mbworld.org/c-class/post_5.php

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[LaicepsYdobon]

Originally Posted by IB Adrian

Hey guys,

This is a more common debate: E-Class vs. C-Class. But the price and offerings variance makes for a tough decision. Which E-Class proves itself worth every extra cent over the C-Class? Which C-Class makes the E-Class look like a shiny rolling furnace you throw your wallet into?


Here's the article in case you missed it: http://www.mbworld.org/c-class/post_5.php

I've had both cars. I would say the C-Class does not even come close to the E-Class. If its within your budget get the E. If you can afford both and are still on the fence about it go and drive both of them. Make sure you drive the C first and then hop into the E. The steering feel between both cars is a world apart. While I had my C class I really liked it but after having 2 E Classes I would have a hard time to get back into a C.

[K-A]

W204 doesn't compare to a W211. Understandably like anything else, if may fit peoples lives, needs, pocketbook, or personal tastes better, but every time I drive a 204 and get into my E, it's literally like getting out of an Accord and into a Bentley (keep in mind I think the new Accord has a nicer interior than the C, and a Bentley nicer than the E ), the difference in Luxury, refinement, overall Interior quality and design, serenity, etc. is that big a difference IMO.

[LADY_AMG]

Originally Posted by K-A

W204 doesn't compare to a W211. Understandably like anything else, if may fit peoples lives, needs, pocketbook, or personal tastes better, but every time I drive a 204 and get into my E, it's literally like getting out of an Accord and into a Bentley (keep in mind I think the new Accord has a nicer interior than the C, and a Bentley nicer than the E ), the difference in Luxury, refinement, overall Interior quality and design, serenity, etc. is that big a difference IMO.

[Chip]

I've driven a lot of loner C-classes and I have to say they are nice well built cars. Rather have the E-class and I do but for the money a C-classes great. Wish you could rent them at airports.

[220S]

Originally Posted by IB Adrian

This is a more common debate: E-Class vs. C-Class. But the price and offerings variance makes for a tough decision.

"Common debate?" "Tough decision?"

Sorry, but it's not a debate nor a decision. It's like comparing a BMW 3 series with a BMW 5 series. You either need a larger car with extra conveniences or you don't. End of "debate."

The decision over an E Class and a 5er, or a C Class and a 3er, is the "common debate."

[K-A]

They are good Rentals for sure. I actually drove one to Vegas once and despite waay too much wind noise seeping in from the windows (really baffling), it was alright. I must say the best Rental I have ever driven (I drive a new one almost every weekend) was a Hyundai Sonata, I know if may sound funny but I was blown away by how well done that car is.

One thing the W204 I think has over the W211 is rigidity, the car feels incredibly solid and durable.

[Case1906]

Clearly the E is at another level, but I wouldn't buy a new W211 with the W212 hitting the road in a few months. The C is a new car and I would go with that, if I was forced to choose between the two. What I would really do is hold out for the W212, or have some fun and find a C63.

[Dema]

No comparision. I would consider E vs S, or CLS

[FraKctured]

Originally Posted by 220S

"Common debate?" "Tough decision?"

Sorry, but it's not a debate nor a decision. It's like comparing a BMW 3 series with a BMW 5 series. You either need a larger car with extra conveniences or you don't. End of "debate."

The decision over an E Class and a 5er, or a C Class and a 3er, is the "common debate."

Great comments...I've wondered about this E-Class C-Class issue and the "debate" on the MBForum. I can afford an E-Class. I can also afford a used S-Class. I drove all of them, and yes, there are differences. But I don't need a lot of room in front or in the back (I mostly drive alone), and I'm under 6'/200 lbs so the C fits me with room to spare.

I didn't see enough of a difference in the E-class to make me buy it. If I needed the back- or front-seat room, I would have bought the E320 or E350. I'm also not interested in racing, otherwise I would have opted for the faster AMG or E55.

The Cs are easy to park, reasonable mileage, nimble, quiet, are solid and heavy for their size, and have great features (HK stereo, 4Matic optional, ESP, etc). Certainly not on the level of an S-class, but I don't need GPS, or DVD or the extra room. So, I didn't spend the extra money.

Drive whatever you want and enjoy it--why run down the other sizes? It's all about personal choice and what you value in a car.

[lboudreau]

^ Very well said!

[werewolf34]

Drive them both and go with your instincts / intuition. It's a great time to buy a benz (I've never seen pricing like this before)