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. |