![]() I should also mention that Mercedes makes a less powerful variant of the C-Class than the C230, dubbed the C240. It's a great deal more expensive, starting out at $37,350, and therefore completely out of the question for entry-level buyers. Soon be replace by the 268-horsepower C350. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press) Let's just say that the cheapest Mercedes-Benz is not the least powerful. Why do I mention this front-driver in the same sentence? Because if you're planning on going the cheap route with the C230 already, then performance is most likely not the priority.Īfter all, this side of the 362-horsepower C55, Mercedes offers its C320 featuring a 215-horsepower V6 a model which will The A4 is even cheaper at $25,800, although front-wheel drive for that paltry sum. To Mercedes' credit the C230 Kompressor starts out just over a thousand less than the Infiniti G35's $30,600, but about the same as the $29,735 Lexus IS 300 and $29,300 BMW 325i. #2005 c230 kompressor specs plus#Power and Associates and Consumer Reports, plus many more features for the money, but these are not German, so therefore don't qualify. If you're planning on going the cheaper route with the C230, then power is most likely not a big priority. There are others in the class that make more power in base form, such as the Infiniti G35 and Lexus IS 300, that offer better quality, according to reliable third party In comparison to what's available now, the base 1.8T-powered A4 makes 200-horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque, while the BMW 320i makes a mere 168-horsepower and 155 lb-ft of torque - ironically similar to BMW 325is figures of the mid-'80s. It definitely would have been right up there with the most powerful 6-cylinder powered C-Class, BMW 3-Series or Audi A4. If we were to search back a decade or two ago, a compact M-B sedan featuring a supercharger that produced 189-horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque would have been designated with the AMG badge - well almost. But it's just this type of situation that forces me to put aside any personal priorities regarding performance, and focus in on exactly why the C230 Kompressor exists, and it's many merits.įirst of all, it's hardly slow. Started with the C230, I don't think we would be having this conversation. If we were to search back a decade or two ago, a compact M-B sedan featuring a supercharger that produced 189-horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque would have been designated with the AMG badge. well, at least after getting out of the C55. And unlike the ideal progression of slowest to fastest sports car I experienced on track with Porsche, the reason I decided to talk about this experience within a Mercedes-Benz review in the first place, I started out with the C55 and followed up with the C230 Kompressor Mercedes-Benz's most basic ride.įrom an acceleration point of view, the C230 is a bit disappointing. #2005 c230 kompressor specs series#In the all-powerful department is its series of AMG sports cars, starting with the SLK55 AMG, then the SL55 AMG, and finally the SL65 AMG.īut I covered an AMG product last week, the compact C55. The Boxster-fighting SLK, followed up by the Tiptronic-equipped 911 Cabriolet-competitive SL 500. ![]() After all, the rival German manufacturer produces its own collection of sports cars starting withįrom an acceleration point of view, the C230 is a bit disappointing. ![]() Of course, Mercedes would have something to say about my all-powerful comment. Finishing off the ideal sports car progression was the pièce de résistance, a gorgeous, all-powerful Carrera GT. After that I did an autocross course in the new 911 Carrera S coupe, followed up by a run in the droptop version back on the race track. Track with the completely new Porsche Boxster, before moving up to a Tiptronic-equipped 911 Cabriolet. Last week I had a Mercedes-Benz C55 to test drive, this week it is the other end of the spectrum with the C230. I was on the road course next to the California Speedway, in Fontana last week, living out a car enthusiasts dream. ![]()
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