E320 Diesel Estate vs Chrysler 300C Estate

[Benzowner]

I am contemplating changing my car in the next few months and would like to go back to an estate car for practical reasons. Now, I am looking at the MB E class estate 3.2 diesel & the Chrysler 300C touring, which I beleive is MB engine and drive train. Pros and cons anyone?

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

IIRC the 300C is based upon the W210 chassis but has the latest generation V6 diesel engine, mated to a 5-speed MB autobox.

 

[Mactech]

Whilst the engineering of the Chrysler may well have German heritage, the quality is perhaps what you would expect from an American car. Some feel it is good value but it certainly does not have Mercedes refinement.
The black ones with big wheels make an ideal 'hearse' for rappers!

 

[grober]

If bought new expect a depreciation curve similar to the North Face of the Eiger on the Chrysler.

 

[ROBB]

Not a difficult choice IMHO; the 300C estate is a monstrous looking creation next to the E class.
I expect there will be similar differences to the Crossfire/SL comparison - there is far too little MB in the chrysler to make any difference to traditional USA car build quality ie crap.

If it were my money - the benz wins
rob

 

[imadoofus]

The Chrysler has just had a facelift (inside, at least).

By all accounts it's a helluva lot better than it was.

PJ

 

[Mactech]

Not a difficult choice IMHO; the 300C estate is a monstrous looking creation next to the E class.
I expect there will be similar differences to the Crossfire/SL comparison - there is far too little MB in the chrysler to make any difference to traditional USA car build quality ie crap.

If it were my money - the benz wins
rob

I think that's what I said! You weren't in the diplomatic corps were you?

 

[A210AMG]

Hello

I think the difference will be the price, you can get some amazing deals on the 300C and then compared to the merc for several thousand more it doesn't matter if it loses more?


I like them but then I like the R class, the M coupe (breadvan) and other strange stuff so....

2006 300C 9K miles 21K
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/371677.htm

 

[pint6x]

I would test drive both and see what you think.

Personally I would go for the 300C because I think they look good. Not in mafia-black, but in silver or grey they look pretty good.

They have not depreciated as much as some had predicted, in fact their second hand values are holding up pretty well for such a big barge.

The Chrysler is a big wide car, so make sure you try it. I think you'll also find it is a softly sprung car compared with the Benz's firmer (and more controlled) ride. The Chrysler comes well kitted out with just about everything as standard. To equip the Benz to the same level, I think you would be pushing £40k

 

[Benzowner]

Thanks all for the informed views, I must admit to being more in favour of the E class but seeing a few Chryslers, especially with the star grill, I will certianly need to look closer. Its a few months off yet, but as you know, these things cannot be rushed My wife says blokes buying cars is akin to women buying handbags or shoes. I said, but I can only have one car at a time

 

[glojo]

I personally think this was an attempt to try and sell the Chrysler under 'It's a Mercedes in disguise banner' It is not a Mercedes, and it never will be. It has the excellent qualities of all American cars and none of the subtleties of a European E-class. Go for the one you like but whatever you do, do not buy the Chrysler because you think it is a cheap Mercedes. It is not, and never will be.

I have read a few reviews of the 300C and none of them would tempt me to even send away for a brochure. The updated version is an improvement, but is it turning a cow pat into an elephant dropping?

suffice it to say I don't rate the 300, but I am a huge fan of estate cars.

Is there an S-class estate?

Regards
John

 

[SilverSaloon]

go for the e-class

 

[ROBB]

I think that's what I said! You weren't in the diplomatic corps were you?

only as devils advocate

 

[SL300-24]

I like the look of the chrysler. One of my customers has one and he choose it over the 211 on price mainly, and is very happy with it. I think it was around £27k new, for the diesel. A similar spec Mercedes was around £40k. Would make you think carefully before parting with your cash!

 

[Mr E]

We test-drove both.

I loved the look of the 300C and with the star grill it got mistaken for something else quite often...

However - it didn't go round corners. Was fab on motorways and dual-carriageways but the first roundabout or twisty bit was horrid. Bad turn-in, roll, understeer, uncommunicative steering, wooden brakes - you name it, it had it. There was no way I could live with it.

Also - and this was on a 200-mile-old demonstrator - the parking brake release handle was broken and bits of trim all over didn't seem to be fitted very well (and this was a corporate demo vehicle!). On top of that, the fake tortoise-shell trim was nasty.

Did go like a rocket in a straight line though.....

 

[verytalldave]

The 300C came last in the TOP GEAR test last night on Dave. Looks OK with the upgrade grille, but thats it.
Dont compare it to MB because it will lose on every point. Even cost if you take everything into account.

 

[SilverSaloon]

Is there an S-class estate?

Regards
John

yes:

:bannana:

 

[Mactech]

yes:

:bannana:

Is that his or hearse?

 

[glojo]

yes:

:bannana:

Thanks for that, it's one of the few I haven't seen before.

I'm not quite that desperate though to have a ride in that particular model

Is that his or hearse

Very good

 

[ROBB]

bloody horible: looks like the pope-mobile