Opinion Time

"Party-vi" (party-vi)
05/25/2016 at 16:21 • Filed to: WWYD

Assuming mileage and cost are the same, what would you pick, a facelift W204 Mercedes C350, or a MkVI Golf R? The Merc is sporting RWD, 302hp and 273lb-ft, and should hit 60mph in around 5.5 seconds. The Golf R was advertised with 256hp and 243lb-ft with AWD should hit 60mph in 5.8 seconds.

DISCUSSION (78)

Dru > Party-vi
05/25/2016 at 16:24

Dunno how it is for you at work, but if I even showed up with a nicely kept e46, I would be bombarded with "must be nice." I might go for the VW in this instance, unless I had reached peak IDGAF, then I'd treat myself to the Benz.

Party-vi > Dru
05/25/2016 at 16:25

I wish my E46 was nicely kept, but it’s old and I’m a terrible person. I only get shit because it’s a coupe and most everyone else in construction has a truck of some sort.

Alex B > Party-vi
05/25/2016 at 16:27

C350.

scoob > Party-vi
05/25/2016 at 16:31

Golf.

djmt1 > Party-vi
05/25/2016 at 16:31

Golf R

Nibby > Party-vi
05/25/2016 at 16:32

Golf R. The C Class was always cheap inside and out until the current new generation. You’ll also probably feel less cramped in the R.

McChiken116 - Patrick H. > Party-vi
05/25/2016 at 16:34

The golf will be more fun and reliable than the Merc. As stylish as it is

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > Party-vi
05/25/2016 at 16:37

Golf R. Just get ready to spend a lot of time in loaner/rental cars, based on what I’ve seen from my buddy’s R.

Party-vi > Nibby
05/25/2016 at 16:38

Seems surprising that I would feel less cramped in a Golf than a C-Class.

boredalways > Party-vi
05/25/2016 at 16:39

push

Party-vi > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow
05/25/2016 at 16:39

Orly? Someone else just told me the MkVI was more reliable than the W204, of which I had my doubts.

Dru > Party-vi
05/25/2016 at 16:41

Ah. Didn't know that was your line of work. Probably a different dynamic for you than me. I read through some of your e46 posts, and though I have been ZHP hunting for at least a couple months, I'm not sure I want one anymore.

Nibby > Party-vi
05/25/2016 at 16:42

C classes are small inside

Party-vi > Dru
05/25/2016 at 16:42

IMO the E46 handles awesomely, but unless you like dealing with fiddly shit on a monthly basis I would avoid ownership. My lighting issue has sorted itself out though since I let it sit without battery overnight. The other issues though are still present.

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > Party-vi
05/25/2016 at 16:42

I’m guessing either one will spend a lot of time at ze repair shop. haha

Party-vi > Nibby
05/25/2016 at 16:43

I have rode exactly once in the back of a W203 and would not disagree.

Carbon Fiber Sasquatch > Party-vi
05/25/2016 at 16:43

C 350, I was looking at these or the new GTI. The old Golf R wasn’t on my list because the new GTI is nearly as fast but has a warranty and better on gas.

I'd go C350 because more cylinders.

Party-vi > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow
05/25/2016 at 16:43

Ja, but I can’t find anything made in a more reliable country that trips my triggers.

Party-vi > Carbon Fiber Sasquatch
05/25/2016 at 16:44

I like the look of the MkVI over the MkVII, which is why I was considering it. Plus, AWD for ski trip shenanigans.

Tripper > Party-vi
05/25/2016 at 16:45

I’m partial to the Golf and there are very few Merc’s that juice me up. So I would go Golf on this one.

Party-vi > Tripper
05/25/2016 at 16:46

I may dick around and test drive them to form a better opinion, but I’m not going to really purchase anything until next summer.

Ash78, voting early and often > Party-vi
05/25/2016 at 16:46

I’m a fan of that Merc V6 and I’m proud they’ve kept putting sixers in their cars. But all in, I’d probably go Golf R, but that’s 80% because I could have a piñata at my son’s birthday party and he’d be more likely to hit a C class than the actual donkey. Too common, but YMMV. I’ve seen maybe 3-4 Golf Rs so far.

Carbon Fiber Sasquatch > Party-vi
05/25/2016 at 16:49

Fair enough, I still think the C350 is the better deal

Dru > Party-vi
05/25/2016 at 16:49

Have you driven the newer gen? F80 I think? Those are starting to depreciate nicely.

deprecated account > Party-vi
05/25/2016 at 16:51

Golf R has a pretty substantial aftermarket AFAIK, but if you want to look like a responsible adult, go for a C-Class. Or you could rebadge the R as a base Golf and go full sleeper. I'd go with the golf though.

bob and john > Party-vi
05/25/2016 at 16:53

for skiing trips and winter stuff, goRf. no its doesnt have the panache of the tri star. its also cheaper to find parts for, easier to tune, and more under the radar

Tripper > Dru
05/25/2016 at 16:53

“Must be nice”, lol I have to bite my tongue so hard when people say that. It’s ignorant. You’re right though. I’ve got a 14 year old E46 that I have owned for almost ten years, when I drive it to work people act like I just bought a Ferrari.

XJDano > Party-vi
05/25/2016 at 16:54

Get someone to test drive a Mercedes the same time you test drive a Golf R, arrange a central meeting place, then hook them up to rear tow points. See which one pulls the other. That can make your decision, then find a car similar the one that won, you wouldn’t want either of those cars.

Then when you buy one you can tell people that’s how you decided.

#nohelp

itschrome > Party-vi
05/25/2016 at 16:55

ugh... gulf because not RWD assuming this is my only car. but I don’t fit in a gulf... but RWD doesn’t work half the year for me.

Party-vi > Dru
05/25/2016 at 16:56

Berf. The F30 has dead steering, wooden brakes, and no torque. At least to me. They’re nice enough but I wouldn’t use my money to buy one. Plus a turbo-4 in a 3-Series seems...wrong.

Tripper > Party-vi
05/25/2016 at 16:57

Yea and even though I lean toward the Golf, I’d still drive the Merc before I made my choice. Can’t be an armchair critic.

Dru > Tripper
05/25/2016 at 16:58

Yeah I don't get it. Plenty of people buy plebian cars (new) for the same price or more than a used bimmer, but something about the nameplate just overrides common sense.

Party-vi > itschrome
05/25/2016 at 16:58

You don’t fit inna Golf? Shit I might not fit inna Golf.

Tripper > Party-vi
05/25/2016 at 16:59

I could not agree more.

Dru > Party-vi
05/25/2016 at 16:59

Perhaps the turbo 6 in the 335 wouldn’t be quite the punishment...but with a newer 3 series I’m right back in the “must be nice” issue. It's tough being Oppo.

Stevo777 > Party-vi
05/25/2016 at 17:00

(Warning, obvious bias) Honestly the Merc. I had a face lifted W204 C300 and absolutely loved it. I’m sure the C350 is even more fun. JUST MAKE SURE you find one with the BI-Xenon headlight package.

Kinja'd!!!

^without

Kinja'd!!!

Also, with just an Xpipe they sound great

itschrome > Party-vi
05/25/2016 at 17:07

I’m six foot, two inches and just dipped below 300 pounds with a size 14 shoe.. I don;t fit in most things that have the word “hatch” involved, I didn’t fit well into the last golf I tried. how ever I would like to point out I should fit into any gulf. I’m fat, but not yo’ mama fat. haha just noticed my phone auto corrected to gulf not golf. haha

JR1 > Party-vi
05/25/2016 at 17:08

Merc of course

RyanFrew > Party-vi
05/25/2016 at 17:14

My gut says the R, but the C350 falls in a very competitive F-Street class in autocross and I was amazed to see a guy place while driving one a couple of weeks ago. Pretty good sleeper, apparently.

Flyboy is FAA certified insane > Party-vi
05/25/2016 at 17:27

Mercedes all the way. I’m not a fan of those Golfs, they feel uninspired.

citizennick > Party-vi
05/25/2016 at 17:31

Merc. You’ll be surrounded by nicer things while driving it, and it will still get up and move and bring joy. If you were looking at a C300 or below I would suggest the R but since it’s a C350 than yeahhhh, Merc.

unclevanos (Ovaltine Jenkins) > Party-vi
05/25/2016 at 17:53

I’d go for the R but I would prefer a regular GTI over the C-class. Not a real fan of the pointed star.

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > Party-vi
05/25/2016 at 18:08

IOne of my really good friends has a C250 4-matic of that gen, and I’ve driven it. while it is a very nice place to spend time, the car’s handling just didn’t feel as crisp as that of a GTI/GLI/MK7 R (I haven’t driven an mk6 R, but I’ve driven everything around it) With that being said, as a daily commuter vehicle (if weather was not a factor) I would pick the benz as I found it to be the more comfortable vehicle to drive on a commute.

If you’re looking for a fun car though, I cannot sing enough praises about the VW MK6 platform. keep in mind that with a tune the R is a 320hp car, and will take to modifications well, as well as return very good MPG. also the R has some different engine stuff from a GTI/GLI (read up on it) and is actually noticeably more reliable and less prone to fail. Only issue that can be expensive is haldex maintenance, but no more expensive than fixing something on the benz.

hope this helps!

Nimbus The Legend - Riding on air like a cloud > Party-vi
05/25/2016 at 18:20

Golf R... Benz will just be a waste of money, like wearing a gucci man purse when everything can fit in your pockets...

Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever > Party-vi
05/25/2016 at 18:22

Very different cars...the throttle delay on all recent Benzes irritates me to no end. On top of that, they mostly steer like boats.

The Golf will be much more fun to drive, so this is more about what you want in a car, rather than a simple price cross-shop.

AM3R shamefully returns > Party-vi
05/25/2016 at 18:49

I have a fully loaded W204 C300 in red, rather underwhelming to drive TBH. My 335i blows it out the water performance wise, but the w204 definitely is a nice ride. Really comfy, more room than in the E90, looks great, and is a great daily driver. Mine has 77k and has been reliable (got it at 69k) but I keep getting a warning about random bulbs being out when they clearly aren’t.

The steering is light with very little feedback, the auto is alright, and the engine is fine but I almost always find myself driving in sport mode. Also, I get terrible mileage in city driving for some reason.

hike > Party-vi
05/25/2016 at 19:41

Tricky. The Golf probably makes more sense for practicality (especially if you live in a snowy climate), but I really like the 204 C-Class, especially with lighting and sport packages.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Party-vi
05/25/2016 at 20:20

Benz because Benz

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Dru
05/25/2016 at 23:45

FYI F80 is M3, F30 is standard 3. It’s dumb.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > AM3R shamefully returns
05/25/2016 at 23:50

Someone probably put the wrong bulbs in. Or if it’s a pre-facelift check the eyebrow bulbs, there are two on each side, and those are known to have tail light issues.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Party-vi
05/26/2016 at 00:03

Voting is almost split right down the middle, completely unexpected for me.

FWIW facelift 204's are stupid reliable. Most common repair I can think of is dash rattles on 507's because the suspension is so stiff. And maybe steering locks, but those are pretty rare on facelift models.

FYI a tune in an M276 powered C300 will basically net you a C350 because there are no big hardware or any displacement changes to the engine.

AM3R shamefully returns > AMGtech - now with more recalls!
05/26/2016 at 00:08

I’ll check that out tomorrow, thanks. How's the E55 been?

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > AM3R shamefully returns
05/26/2016 at 01:06

Lots of fun so far. Perfect car for me.

Dru > AMGtech - now with more recalls!
05/26/2016 at 07:59

Wat

Party-vi > AMGtech - now with more recalls!
05/26/2016 at 09:09

Do you mean the M272? Isn’t there a 0.5L of displacement between them? Also it’s good to know they have a reputation for reliability.

Party-vi > AM3R shamefully returns
05/26/2016 at 09:11

How is steering compared to the E90? Also yeah, 300hp against 228hp would make a big difference there.

Party-vi > Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever
05/26/2016 at 09:12

My requirements are 4 doors, heated seats, premium stereo, and sub-6s 0-60 times.

Party-vi > unclevanos (Ovaltine Jenkins)
05/26/2016 at 09:13

*looks at avatar*

Party-vi > Stevo777
05/26/2016 at 09:14

I can’t see any reason to pay almost $40-$50k for a car to skip on the fancy headlights. I would definitely get one with the xenons.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Dru
05/26/2016 at 10:13

Sorry, I could see how that would be little confusing. What it means is that F80 refers to the current generation M3. While F30 refers to the current generation non-M 3-series. Not sure why BMW thought it necessary to code them differently.

Dru > AMGtech - now with more recalls!
05/26/2016 at 10:15

No I understood you, I continue to not understand BMW. I say Wat when I am specifically confounded by a situation.

jkm7680 > Party-vi
05/26/2016 at 10:15

Golf R 100%

Party-vi > jkm7680
05/26/2016 at 10:20

*looks at avatar*

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Party-vi
05/26/2016 at 10:24

M272 powered cars do have differences in displacement and hardware. M276 does not. M276 is the current, direct injected V6, used from ‘12 and up. M276 is more powerful, more efficient, and more responsive than M272. The current bi-turbo V6 cars (C450, GLE450, etc.) are all M276 powered.

M276

Kinja'd!!!

M272

Kinja'd!!!

jkm7680 > Party-vi
05/26/2016 at 10:26

Audi is my main bitch, Porsche is my second bitch and Volkswagen is my third bitch. So yeah that applies.

HOWEVER, I did have a C323243434353434 of some sort as a rental car and it was crap.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Dru
05/26/2016 at 10:26

Ahhh now I understand. Internet-speak often goes over my head.

Party-vi > AMGtech - now with more recalls!
05/26/2016 at 10:33

Did not know that. That would make more sense considering a C300 is less expensive and has AWD standard (not that I need it). What company would make such a thing?

Stevo777 > Party-vi
05/26/2016 at 10:58

I don’t know why either. I have no idea what benz was thinking with the standard halogen headlights, at least the pre-facelift had projector housings. Best of luck with your decision!

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Party-vi
05/26/2016 at 11:23

Crazy Germans with their crazy ideas and crazy engineering. Oh, and most websites list the displacement, power and economy of M276 cars as being the same as M272 cars. They are not. 276 is better, more like 270hp on C350 I think, and cars like E350 are more like 300. So I would think a tune coils get a C300 very close to 300hp, but I’m not positive.

Party-vi > AMGtech - now with more recalls!
05/26/2016 at 11:27

The C350 with the M276 was advertised with 302hp, while the C300 was listed at 248hp.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Party-vi
05/26/2016 at 11:48

Duh. Don’t know how I forgot that. I don’t usually pay attention to that stuff on plebe non-AMG’s I guess

AM3R shamefully returns > Party-vi
05/26/2016 at 12:36

IMO the steering just doesn’t compare. Going from the C300 to the 328i non sport the difference is crazy noticeable. It’s much much heavier in the BMW, with a lot more feedback and response. Going to a sport package 335i makes it even better.

Party-vi > AM3R shamefully returns
05/26/2016 at 12:45

That’s a concern because I love the steering in my E46 - very heavy and communicative.

AM3R shamefully returns > Party-vi
05/26/2016 at 13:25

I would definitely recommend test driving one then, mine is a 4matic which may take a little away from the steering but I still find the E9x far superior when it comes to steering.

Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever > Party-vi
05/26/2016 at 14:16

The 0-60 requirement tells me that you value performance on some level. This is what happens on a Mercedes-Benz (not sure if AMGs are exceptions):

1. Floor the accelerator pedal

2. ... (ECU thinks about whether to approve your request)

3. ... (ECU approves your request)

4. Car accelerates and lugs in high gear

5. ... (ECU thinks about whether to downshift)

6. Car downshifts

Party-vi > Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever
05/26/2016 at 14:57

you liar - you obviously pulled that out of the E46 Steptronic logic workbook.

PotbellyJoe and 42 others > itschrome
05/27/2016 at 09:04

What’s funny is that at that size you would fit in a Mini, even the first gen of the new Cooper. Very spacious driver’s seat. Now, as for the rear passengers....

notsomethingstructural > Party-vi
07/02/2016 at 23:39

Sorry to leave this here, but my thing was memory holed. Not sure if you saw I attempted to reply to you before then to say I'd like a chance to explain my joke.

http://oppositelock.kinja.com/i-sent-over-my…

Drop me a line, somethingstructural@gmail if you'd like