Hi guys.
My in-laws came to visit for the last 2 weeks. Now, wifey isn't too good with a manual box so I swapped cars with pops for the duration of their visit.
I drive a 2008 320i 6M. He drives a 2004 C200 Kompressor AT Avantgarde.![facepalm]( "facepalm")
Now, I'm not having a go at Merc fans, but I could not help myself at comparing these two. Where do I begin....
Merc likes:
- Quieter than 3
- More power than 3
- Softer, more comfortable ride
- Better stock sound system
- Sunroof, and that's it...
Merc dislikes:
- Everything about the entire steering system. It goes light at speed and is very (imo) twitchy at freeway speeds. Uncommunicative - the front wheels could be in different Provinces afaik. The 3 is always planted.
- The braking system. Nothing...nothing...and STOP. The 3 is way easier to modulate and therefore smoother in traffic.
- The gearbox. I know it's an older auto but 3sec to downshift in 'Sport' mode. No thanks.
- Body control on twisties. Again, I don't know where the wheels are. To me it feels like the body rises up on the suspension and I can't feel the drivetrain. This together with the light steering is not enjoyable at all. The 3 can tell me the flavour of gum the outside rear wheel just missed...
- Fuel consumption between 10-12L/100Km. The 3 is better.
- Dashboard functions are not as logical as BMW. Fair, you get used to it but BMW is way more intuitive.
- Cabin space is less than the 3.
- Hand(foot)brake. You have to cock your leg as if to let one rip to use the thing.
- Headrests in front cannot be tilted forward to support your head. Whiplash anyone?
All being said I can now see the difference between the 3 and C. I did enjoy the Merc for its laziness and how it puts me to sleep.
However, the combination of vague steering, grabby brakes and toitoi body control made me hate it immensely.
I got my 3 back lat night and went for a little spin. Oh how I missed my mocked, underpowered and slightly problematic 3. It is miles ahead of the Merc in Sheer Driving Pleasure, and that's all that counts.
Glad I made the right choice.![Inlove]( "Inlove")
My in-laws came to visit for the last 2 weeks. Now, wifey isn't too good with a manual box so I swapped cars with pops for the duration of their visit.
I drive a 2008 320i 6M. He drives a 2004 C200 Kompressor AT Avantgarde.
Now, I'm not having a go at Merc fans, but I could not help myself at comparing these two. Where do I begin....
Merc likes:
- Quieter than 3
- More power than 3
- Softer, more comfortable ride
- Better stock sound system
- Sunroof, and that's it...
Merc dislikes:
- Everything about the entire steering system. It goes light at speed and is very (imo) twitchy at freeway speeds. Uncommunicative - the front wheels could be in different Provinces afaik. The 3 is always planted.
- The braking system. Nothing...nothing...and STOP. The 3 is way easier to modulate and therefore smoother in traffic.
- The gearbox. I know it's an older auto but 3sec to downshift in 'Sport' mode. No thanks.
- Body control on twisties. Again, I don't know where the wheels are. To me it feels like the body rises up on the suspension and I can't feel the drivetrain. This together with the light steering is not enjoyable at all. The 3 can tell me the flavour of gum the outside rear wheel just missed...
- Fuel consumption between 10-12L/100Km. The 3 is better.
- Dashboard functions are not as logical as BMW. Fair, you get used to it but BMW is way more intuitive.
- Cabin space is less than the 3.
- Hand(foot)brake. You have to cock your leg as if to let one rip to use the thing.
- Headrests in front cannot be tilted forward to support your head. Whiplash anyone?
All being said I can now see the difference between the 3 and C. I did enjoy the Merc for its laziness and how it puts me to sleep.
However, the combination of vague steering, grabby brakes and toitoi body control made me hate it immensely.
I got my 3 back lat night and went for a little spin. Oh how I missed my mocked, underpowered and slightly problematic 3. It is miles ahead of the Merc in Sheer Driving Pleasure, and that's all that counts.
Glad I made the right choice.
