C- Class or E-Class

[nrg220]

I have a W204 C Class Elegance and wondered just how different to drive is an E Class of the same spec 220CDI anyone got long term experience of both? Thanks

 

[markjay]

Drove C-Class and S-Class, but not E-Class.

All I can say is that personally I prefer driving the smaller and nippier / more dynamic C-Class, but the roomier S-Class (and presumably also the E-Class) is quieter and has more toys.

 

[geraldrobins]

It really is down to personal preference. the E class is clearly bigger and if youre a larger person then the C class might feel a little cramped. From what Ive looked at if buying used, the E class often has more kit as extras. bigger to park and manouvre of course.

 

[grober]

The E class is bigger than the C class! Sounds pretty obvious doesn't it, but in their latest incarnations for the UK market there is very little to choose between them since the C class interior/electronics upgrade- engines are virtually the same. The E class saloon and estate [ not the coupe- which is a rebodied C class] will be more comfortable due to slightly longer wheelbase giving a better ride- its also much more roomy inside. If the sheer size is not a problem [ will it fit in your garage/driveway?] I would go E class.

 

[Berkshire Rich]

The E class is bigger than the C class! Sounds pretty obvious doesn't it, but in their latest incarnations for the UK market there is very little to choose between them since the C class interior/electronics upgrade- engines are virtually the same. The E class saloon and estate [ not the coupe- which is a rebodied C class] will be more comfortable due to slightly longer wheelbase giving a better ride- its also much more roomy inside. If the sheer size is not a problem [ will it fit in your garage/driveway?] I would go E class.

Agreed. Re the wheelbase, a better ride, yes. Better handling, no. Obviously some exceptions depending on specific models and suspension

 

[Deleted member 37751]

If you're above 5'10" and have more than one child, forget the C-Class because in my experience, the E-Class is only just big enough.

 

[V12]

If you're above 5'10" and have more than one child, forget the C-Class because in my experience, the E-Class is only just big enough.

Spot on. I'm 5' 11" and not particularly bug build but always feel cramped in a C class.

The refinement from reductions in road noise and engine noise is impressive when comparing the C and E back to back.

 

[Chalpkin]

Spot on. I'm 5' 11" and not particularly bug build but always feel cramped in a C class.

The refinement from reductions in road noise and engine noise is impressive when comparing the C and E back to back.

Hi all,
I'm five eleven and seventeen stone, I've found my c-class perfectly comfortable also never had any complaints from my six foot, twelve stone son who normally sits behind me when the family go out.

 

[st13phil]

I had a W204 C220CDI Elegance and now have an W212 E350CDI Avantgarde. I have also driven the E220CDI W212.

As others have already said, the ride quality of the W212 betters that of the already good W204 in Elegance form, but the biggest difference is the engine is much more muted in the W212. There's not a huge difference in it unless you're really pressing on, but the W204 is a bit more agile than the bigger, heavier W212.

One thing to note is that the W212 is substantially longer than the W204. Partly this is reflected in much increased legroom for rear seat passengers, but also in the size of the boot which is much longer.

 

[After Shock]

Agreed. Re the wheelbase, a better ride, yes. Better handling, no. Obviously some exceptions depending on specific models and suspension

My 2005 E320cdi Advantagrde estate with 8 and 9 inch staggered wheels has a terrific ride!!! Handling is great too! Apparently mine has the AMG suspension upgrade ( must check that).

It had 17 inch wheels when I purchased it and swooping wheels plus going up to decent tyres totally transformed it. Quieter. More sure footed.

There is no simple answer to ride.

If parking a C class is a problem then it will be no difference with a C or E class.

I spent ages looking for an E class with the spec I wanted.

So ...... Ummm. E class definately. Get the spec right to suit you.

 

[nrg220]

Comfort

That's the one item I was wondering about is the E class a much better ride comfort wise than the C Class, I have the elegance with 16" wheels, its ok but still not as soft or absorbent as I expected especially on our roads today. I do have comfort and Sport mode but cant really differentiate between the two. I suppose I prefer a soft ride so maybe should have bought a Citroen LOL

I wonder then why the engine 220 diesel is more muted in the E over the C? Would have expected similar

 

[nrg220]

muted

Spot on. I'm 5' 11" and not particularly bug build but always feel cramped in a C class.

The refinement from reductions in road noise and engine noise is impressive when comparing the C and E back to back.

That's interesting, cant really understand why, it is a bigger car of course but the essentials should be similar with regard to sound proofing I would have thought but maybe not? maybe just that increase in wheelbase is making a significant difference then?

 

[nrg220]

The parking I suppose its relevant as its bad enough now parking as they make the spaces so damned small and my paintwork is brilliant up till now and no dents.

 

[After Shock]

I had an ambassador van den plas many years ago!!! Soft ride???!!!! It was like being at sea. Don't even want to recall cornering. Scary!!!

Go for a long enough few test drives maybe?
Wheel size!!! I really wanted 19" wheels for the
look but I'm glad I bottled as I love the ride quality and feel of mine! If you live near me come try mine.

 

[Dieselman]

That's interesting, cant really understand why, it is a bigger car of course but the essentials should be similar with regard to sound proofing I would have thought but maybe not? maybe just that increase in wheelbase is making a significant difference then?

Uh...?

C means Cheap
E means Executive

 

[RWDpetrol]

Uh...?

C means Cheap
E means Executive

Last time you said C stood for something else.

By the way, which Merc do you drive?

 

[Dieselman]

Last time you said C stood for something else.

By the way, which Merc do you drive?

As you can see from my avatar, I drive a Peugeot.

 

[RWDpetrol]

As you can see from my avatar, I drive a Peugeot

Signatures and avatars don't display on the mbclub app - annoying.

Peugeot, ok. Last Merc?

 

[Dieselman]

Signatures and avatars don't display on the mbclub app - annoying.

Peugeot, ok. Last Merc?

Mercedes...??

 

[After Shock]

Signatures and avatars don't display on the mbclub app - annoying. Peugeot, ok. Last Merc?

Showing my age. Ummm. Columbo's car was a Peugeot? Soft top!!!

Name the dog?

Back to topic though please!!!!