Mercedes-Benz C230 Vs Acura RSX - READ ONLY

96 messages,  Last post on Aug 04, 2003 at 6:59 PM

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What is this discussion about? Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Acura RSX, Coupe, Hatchback

#47 of 96 RSX in Japan by totalnet

Sep 25, 2001 (4:15 pm)

I thought it is called Honda Integra? Which replace the last generation of the Honda Integra in Japan.

#48 of 96 re: overpriced mercedes by ligart

Sep 26, 2001 (11:39 pm)

I'm amazed at how many people simply look at in-your-face options when comparing these two cars. "Nephew of venus537" said:
 
"i thought i might have to get my eyes checked when i saw a tape deck with no cd player ... that car for 25,000 doesn't have very many options ... if my main buying point was style over substance the mercedes would be the way to go"
 
What about higher quality materials, better build, brake assist, stability control, and EIGHT FREAKING AIRBAGS! That's not substance, but a $100 CD player is?
 
Sheesh!

#49 of 96 by diploid

Sep 27, 2001 (8:06 pm)

I think that's like paying for a combo meal and not getting your additional biscuit.

#50 of 96 Acura RSX is still Honda Integra in Japan... by crikey

Sep 28, 2001 (8:00 am)

...and I like the C230 better no matter what the RSX is called in any part of the world.

#51 of 96 exclusive by mordy003

Sep 28, 2001 (11:14 am)

The RSX and the C320 are competitors- kind of telling you where MB is going? I don't really think Mercedes should have made the C320. It has the potential to kill the exclusiveness of the Mercedes brand completely. If everyone has one, then it won't be as cool for the people that do. Acura already had the Integra, the best compact sports car under 30K, especially in the aftermarket world. Mercedes isn't going for all out performance or the kind of image that the RSX is going for (especially the upcoming Type R). Actually, I have no idea what Mercedes is going for with the C320. In Europe I understand, where the have BMW 2 series, and Audi A3s, and the like. But not in the U.S. No mabe all premium hatchbacks will make it to our shores.

#52 of 96 If you're going to bash it, at least get the name right by tommyp13

Sep 28, 2001 (8:42 pm)

It's a c230; the upper-level c sedan is the c320.
 
Don't worry; you still won't see S classes in droves on the highways - there are plenty of MBs on the road that are not going to be seen everyday. For a better example, see the G series - now there's a Benz that will be very exclusive.

#53 of 96 Only in America by rickrover

Sep 29, 2001 (12:22 pm)

It's an American perception thing - Mercedes is a peoples car in Europe - the A class is not a luxury car by any stretch - Most taxi cabs in Europe are Diesel Mercedes - nothing special. Mercedes sells a minivans too. Why did Toyota and Honda feel the need to rename their high level cars Lexus and Acura - because Americans wouldn't spend $50+K for a Honda or Toyota no matter how nice it is. The Europeans and Japanese don't have our "exclusivity" hang ups, VW is kicking MB's butt over there, now VW is even competing the the new D1 - a $60+k S class VW that will be over here in a couple of years. And the W8 Passat - A $40k VW that will be here early next year to steal a few E class and 5 series sales. VW is even considering sending us the new redesigned Polo. What about the new Mini Cooper that BMW is about to send over here (I have a deposit on a supercharged Cooper S). I'm not sure I want the Mini Cooper S, but if I do I'll be one of the first ones to own one.
 
I think it's cool that MB, BMW, VW etc are going up and down market to do battle with each other, we are about to have some increadable choices over here.
 
HONDA really blew it with the RSX.

#54 of 96 Rick, did they fix the seat lever problem yet? by tommyp13

Sep 29, 2001 (6:04 pm)

I had one of the first deposits down at the local N NJ Mini franchise, after following it for 9 months or so. I switched over to the c230, because of size, but mostly due to timing. The crx can't handle another winter.
 
So, I know that the initial batch had the breaking seat levers (as well as the possibility of blowing up - oops!). Did they fix that? I'd go over to Mini2, but I got totally reamed when I posted that I was making the switch. It seems as though there's alot up in the air still with the Mini, though it's a fine car. I just couldn't wait any longer, and am not too comfortable about getting an S when they told me that I'd be able to.

#55 of 96 Tommy by rickrover

Sep 30, 2001 (8:27 pm)

The Mini has a couple of service bullitins out - everything is fine now. That's to be expected of any totally new car. I'm not sure I want a Mini Cooper, they are small, if I get one I'll hold on to my 2000 Passat. Other options I'm considering are trading the Passat on a redesigned A4 1.8t Quattro or the C230. I'm looking at used Mercedes E Class 96> or BMW 5 Series 97>. In the new A4 or used 5 Series I'm leaning toward a wagon. If I found a 97 or 98 528i wagon (low mileage cream puff) with a stick in silver/ charcoal leather and premium sport package I'd be sold. The chances of finding a car like that are extremely remote (been looking). I wouldn't get an E class wagon - too oooogly. Low mileage, as new 96 or 97 E320's are really easy to find in my area in the low to high $20K's. A nice used E320 sedan is by far the best deal out there in a used Euro premium luxury car IMO, LOTS of bang for the buck.
 
Kind of an odd comparison list Mini Cooper S (with Passat), A4, 5 Series C230 and E Class but all priced about the same. Actually the Cooper S would be the most expensive since I'd keep the Passat.
 
Luckily I'm in no hurry at all, the Passat has been great, just like trading every 3 years or so.

#56 of 96 so many honda haters by mistaman

Oct 03, 2001 (12:08 am)

It seems to me that theirs a lot of honda hate on this board. What a pity.
 
To get to the point I think the RSX type S is the overall better buy, being that I have actually driven both cars and not just read the specs on both.
 
If you want the attention of a bunch of chicks and you are worried about being killed in an accident if one of your 8 airbags dont deploy then take you 30k (after adding all of your options and get a MB)
 
But if you want a drivers dream for under 25k rush to your nearest ACURA dealer.
 
The RSX in my opinion after driving both cars back to back in the same day has more power and is just funnier to drive. While driving the C CLASS I reved it high close to the red line. My sales associated was timid and didnt like me reving the car so high. While the RSX is made to rev high I reved the hell out of that car and it was not phased a bit by my torture of it. The handling of the two cars is a toss up on normal streets and highways, they both handle extremly well.
 
I give the nod to the RSX for power, features, 6 speed, future aftermarket, resale value, and overall price. How can you go wrong with the RSX. Although the C CLASS COUPE is a very respectable car, I think it is a bit over priced. The base price should be in the 22-23k range. Just my 2 cents

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