What's the difference?

[jpbp200]

Hi

Further to my recent post about buying a c180 elegance auto, I have come accross a c180 sport 1999 model 110k manual. What is the difference in spec and performance from these two cars?

 

[verytalldave]

Performance is identical.
Elegance is the model you would buy for comfort and the traditional Mercedes ride. The sport has slightly lowered and harder suspension for better cornering.
Depending on the options the original owner specified when buying, there may very well be further differences - for example wider and/or larger rims and seating options.
Personally, I dont like manual Mercs, but thats a personal preference. I would always choose auto.
I can recall that Mercedes always made a point of saying that their automatic cars had the same performance as their manual cars.

 

[jpbp200]

Thats good then. This sport has some kind of carbon console i believe. My main concern is reliability of an auto box but I am hoping that a Merc auto should be good for 200k if its been looked after?

 

[74merc]

I wouldn't buy a Mercedes with a manual gearbox again. The C class has a foot operated parking brake (as opposed to a handbrake), try doing a hill start quickly after coming to a halt and you will see what I mean.

 

[jpbp200]

Ha ha. I did wonder how that was possible. I have driven a merc before but of course it was an auto!

 

[verytalldave]

Thats good then. This sport has some kind of carbon console i believe. My main concern is reliability of an auto box but I am hoping that a Merc auto should be good for 200k if its been looked after?

I dont think anyone could give you any kind of reassurance that you would see 200k trouble free miles from any part of the drivetrain from a car of any make.
BUT if theres a car that can do it, then its a Mercedes thats had regular servicing and a modicum of TLC.

 

[jpbp200]

Thanks Dave. I'm sure your right. And thanks to all for your helpful advice in these forums. Very useful indeed.


James