From an acceleration point of view, the C230 is a bit disappointing... well, at least after getting out of the C55. If I had
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| If we were to search back a decade or two ago, a compact M-B sedan featuring a supercharger that produced 189-horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque would have been designated with the AMG badge. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
started with the C230, I don't think we would be having this conversation. But it's just this type of situation that forces me to put aside any personal priorities regarding performance, and focus in on exactly why the C230 Kompressor exists, and it's many merits. First of all, it's hardly slow. If we were to search back a decade or two ago, a compact M-B sedan featuring a supercharger that produced 189-horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque would have been designated with the AMG badge - well almost. It definitely would have been right up there with the most powerful 6-cylinder powered C-Class, BMW 3-Series or Audi A4. In comparison to what's available now, the base 1.8T-powered A4 makes 200-horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque, while the BMW 320i makes a mere 168-horsepower and 155 lb-ft of torque - ironically similar to BMW 325is figures of the mid-'80s. There are others in the class that make more power in base form, such as the Infiniti G35 and Lexus IS 300, that offer better quality, according to reliable third party
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| If you're planning on going the cheaper route with the C230, then power is most likely not a big priority. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
sources such as J. D. Power and Associates and Consumer Reports, plus many more features for the money, but these are not German, so therefore don't qualify. To Mercedes' credit the C230 Kompressor starts out a couple of thousand less than the Infiniti at $37,950, almost exactly the base price of a Lexus IS 300. The A4 is even cheaper at $35,950, although front-wheel drive for that paltry sum, while the BMW 320i offers rear-drive for an even more affordable $34,950. Why do I mention these less powerful German's in the same sentence? Because if you're planning on going the cheap route with the C230 already, then power is most likely not the priority.
