Hi,
I'm in for a new car, (a generous gift from my parents) so I went to my MB dealer yesterday and was checking out the c230 and c280 and don't know which to buy... I like the look of the interior of the c280 but are there any draw backs buying the 280 instead of the 230? Ive been searching everywhere on the web and haven't found a site that compares the two cars... Any help would be much apperiated! Thanks, can't wait to join the mb club....

Shelley

 

use this link

http://www.carsdirect.com/research/compare

Its pretty good site.

regards
RoHitSaGaR

 

okay


the c230 is the bottom of the lot car. Its slow and has a 4cyl.

the c280 is the best C-class you can get besides the AMG models which are the C36 and C43.

BUT they also make a C230 K, the K stands for Kompressor or Supercharger.

You are going to want to either get a C280 or C230 Kompressor.

Dont just get the C230 non K because its going to be gutless.

Make sure you get a 1998+, this is the updated year with nicer addons.

 

Ahh everything said so far was true, but I disagree with the 1998+ I would say get a 98 or 99. After that the quality seemed to really go downhill until the last year. Just my .000000002 cents.

 

C230 is a sport sedan and C280 is a luxury sedan. I think you should go for the C230 if you are young, it is more stylish.

 

year 2000 C-class is the best year, by then most all kinks have been worked out and it has tiptronic!

 

She did not state new or used? The current C230 is a 200 hp V6, not a normally aspirated 4 banger!

-Eric

 

you're right, I meant 2001 and up declined in quality.

 

they say in for 'NEW' car? I would opt for the bigger engine car of course, not much diff between fuel consumption c230=20.9/41.5/30.4 vs c280=21.2/39.2/30.1 (urban/ex-urban/combined) PLUS in UK c280 comes with auto as standard while 230 does not. (mercs need autos)

 

I was in the same predicament a few months ago. I was all set to buy an '06 C230 due to the sportier styling however, after test driving the 230 then the 280 I immediately changed my mind and bought the '06 C280.

The 280 has a slightly larger engine and the difference in power is very noticeable. The 280 also does not have the hesitation at launch that I found the 230 to have. Sure, the 230 is a little sportier looking but this is only from the lower 1/4 down. Buy the 280 for the better engine, add larger rims, modify the exhaust and enjoy tearing up the freeway!

Bottom line, it's your decision and you'll find comfort in knowing that you can't go wrong with either model.