Mercedes-Benz develops C400 Biturbo to take on the BMW 335i

My german extends to the words "Auto Motor Unt Sport" and 99 luftballons.
Audi bringing a 3 litre 333 PS turbo-fsi. Mercedes a 4 litre biturbo with 408 hp, 4 seconds to 100 kmh.
Both use direct injection and turbos.

I am very proud of myself there. I have never learnt a word of German in my life, (I know the numbers 1-4) and I managed to (vaguely) translate that! Go me (and German's similarity to English, and the fact the numbers are the same!)

— Rupert (View Profile)

Posted on 3/13/2007 6:28:23 PM | | Votes: 3   

If it has 0-60mph in 4.0 seconds, it will beat every car you mentioned, at least in a straight line.

Like CW said, the AMG version would then be useless.

Even if this car breaks five seconds I'll be impressed- but FOUR is not happening.

— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 3/13/2007 4:52:58 PM | | Votes: -1   

cough C200 cdi C180 kompressor cough

— Rupert (View Profile)

Posted on 3/13/2007 6:29:06 PM | | Votes: 2   

That was my question. MBUSA has to know better than to just throw so many different C-Class models at North Americans for the sake of keeping up with the Joneses. Ironically, the typical North American C-Class buyer looks to the C-Class for that same idea.

— Anthony (View Profile)

Posted on 3/13/2007 11:00:06 PM | | Votes: 0   

You listed "MB" in the cars that were "nervous."

— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 3/14/2007 5:43:40 PM | | Votes: -2   

Although your tone is a bit insensitive, I agree fundamentally.

— Anthony (View Profile)

Posted on 3/13/2007 10:56:43 PM | | Votes: -4   

Please, the handling of Mercedes is underrated. It's like a cliche already. "BMW's handle, other cars don't", it's getting old.

What delivers driving pleasure? Good steering feel, good brake feel, solid feeling when cornering, and fast acceleration come to my mind. Generally, I think driving in the city during rush hour traffic is NOT the situation which would deliver driving pleasure, whether you're driving a Toyota Corolla or Ferrari F430. For most people, driving pleasure comes when driving at a brisk pace with or without turns to take advantage of the capabilities of a car.

If you're not on an deserted twisty road, or on a track, you simply cannot enjoy the advantages of the 3 series over any of its competitors (like the C-class or A4 or IS or G35, etc). Sure, you can engage in illegal high speed runs on the highway, or you can take a curvy on-ramp at higher than average speeds, but unless you're really close to the edge of cornering limit, a 3 series will not feel that much better than a W203 C-class or B6/B7 A4. Yes, a Porsche Boxter or S2000 does obviously feel much better taking that same on ramp at speed, but that's a completely different class of car.

Do you notice where magazines test their cars to decide which car "performs" the best? They either do it on a track to measure objective performance numbers, or they take it to the open road with minimal or no traffic so they can see what happens when they tackle turns at speed. Only then can you gauge how the steering feels, whether the brakes have good modulation, and whether the shifter feels good or not. When they do it in urban traffic (where most people drive), the C-class historically always gets better compliments about smoothness, comfort and quietness.

Bottom line: I think you have to drive faster than usual to really notice the differences between the 3 series/C-class/A4, and that means typical urban driving won't do it.

A big reason the 3 series is so successful is because it is "hip" and "popular" with the younger crowd. BMW has done an excellent job of marketing itself towards this segment by selling a sporty image. Many people would consider Mercedes to be an "older" person's car. Sure, the 3 series cars are actually very capable, but I guarantee you that most 3 series buyers decide on the car because of style and image, rather than the fact that the it handles better or has better steering feel than the competition.

The fact that the 3 series has always won most comparison tests in car magazines only adds to the advertising of the car. And remember, most car magazines rate cars based on PERFORMANCE.

Unless MB is happy being with the C-class being 2nd rate in terms of sales compared to the 3 series, I think Mercedes SHOULD try to take on BMW in this compact segment. And that means putting an emphasis on performance or driving experience for these small cars. With the W204, they're marketing the Avant Garde (or Sport) models to be the sporty representativ

— Willis (View Profile)

Posted on 3/14/2007 8:29:32 AM | | Votes: 2   

Because the C32 sounded like a vacuum cleaner and got whipped by the S4.

— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 3/14/2007 5:46:08 PM | | Votes: -1   

Ops I meant "It's not all show and no go"

— Agent63 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/14/2007 7:58:01 AM | | Votes: 1   

LOL, that was a bad mess-up.

— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 3/14/2007 5:47:04 PM | | Votes: -1   

LOL it was . that is true haha

— Agent63 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/14/2007 6:52:08 PM | | Votes: 2   

The "Oversize" argument is silly every time it comes up. I used to remember when BMW fans had the "BMW doesnt need a turbo" argument. I say "remember" because they dont say that anymore... The fact of the matter is that it doesnt matter how power is created as long as it is created efficiently, reliably and suitably. I always point to the LS7 engine as an example. 7 liters of push rod make more power in a lighter engine with better fuel mileage than the 997 turbo motor. Go figure....

— Threepoint1415926 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/15/2007 2:14:50 PM | | Votes: 2   

BMW 328i/528i: 3.0L

Audi A3/A4/TT: 2.0T

2.0T>230hp 3.0L

BMW 4.8L- highest output? 360hp.

Audi 4.2L- highest output? 420hp N/A, 450hp w/ turbos.

4.2L>4.8L

BMW M3 4.0L 400hp

Audi RS4 4.2L 420hp

Look who's trying to keep up now?

I love BMW and want the new M3, but your comment ticks me off.

Yes, Merc has huge engines, but that's part of their charm. 5.5L and 6.2L are awesome.

— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 3/15/2007 9:43:06 PM | | Votes: -1