4/29    If you had a choice between two cars that were identical in every
        way but the engine and one had a forced-induction 1.8L engine
        while the other had a naturally aspirated 2.6L engine with a
        lower peak power output, which one would you choose? On a side
        note, this is between a Mercedes C230 and C240 which I'm helping
        someone else buy (I personally wouldn't buy one myself).
        \_ The larger, lower-power engine.  You usually won't need the power
           and there's less to go wrong with it.  I know you said "identical"
           but if there's a mileage difference, that'd be very important.
           \_ [formatd was here]
        \_ I agree with the above.  Especially in the Bay Area you're just not
           going to use the tiny bit of extra power the snazzier engine
           provides.  The buyer should drive both and get the one that feels
           the best in normal driving conditions (within their price range,etc)
           \_ yeah. just drive both and see if there's a difference in power,
              and which one is smoother/noisier. then look at price and MPG.
        \_ There are a lot more differences between the C230 and C240 than the
           engines! One is a little 3-door and the other is a sedan. The
           prices are much different. One weighs more than the other. All
           else being equal, stay away from a turbo engine if you plan on
           keeping the car. If I was to get a C class I'd go C320.
           \_ That's not completely true. There is both a C230 sedan and
           keeping the car. If I was to get a C class I'd go C320.
           \_ That's not completely true. There is both a C230 sedan and
              coupe. The coupe looks pretty ugly. Also, the C230 isn't
              a turbo. It's supercharged.
              \_ What does "superchanged" mean?
                 \_ It means the induction is powered with a belt from the
                    engine rather than just by exhaust gases. The
                    distinction is minor in this discussion. I also stand
                    corrected and there is now a C230 sedan. There used to
                    be one in the 1990s and it was discontinued in favor
                    of the C240. I see that it has been brought back.
        \_ The one that has better gas mileage.  C230:23/30, C240:19/24.  The
           C240 does worse mileage than my mini-van.
              coupe. The coupe looks pretty ugly.
        \_ The one that has better gas mileage.