driving impressions: Cadillac CTS, Mercedes C230

[Vinsanity]

Usually cars like these would be at the top of my shopping list for a sedan, but these are still the old models, and I wouldn't help but feeling like a dumbass if I bought an old model the same year a new one comes out

But last week, I finally caved in because I couldn't resist the nice deals being offered.


First up was the Cadillac. Again, I found that the car's interior to be not as bad as people say it is. Although this particular car had a luxury package (woodgrain on the steering wheel and shift knob), the black-monolith-looking center stack wasn't an annoyance at all. The car I drove has a nice meaty 3.6 engine, and it gets you past the speed limit quickly and with little fuss. The car also moves very smartly through the turns. Like the Volvo, it feels bigger than it looks, but also like the Volvo, the body is very well controlled while hustling through the corners, even if the steering and chassis don't give you as much feedback as you might want. The car is at home cruising down long counrty roads, and is more than happy eating up all the road trip miles you could throw at it. The interior gives you somewhat of a cocoon-like feeling that also helps you get comfortable on long drives. Admittedly, the only reason I previously liked the CTS was its style. Now I'm glad to find out that it has a good amount of substance as well


Next up was the Mercedes. I was the slightest bit apprehensive about considering this car, since it has the notorious reputation of being the "poser" Mercedes (as unfortunately all C-Classes will). But say what the haters will, this is a fine little car. The light grey interior is a nice place to be, and gives a nice airy feel inside the car. Kind of the opposite of the Cadillac's approach, but it works well. On the road, I was a bit underwhelmed by the 4-cylinder Kompressor engine, which made a soft buzz not unlike my sister's old Civic. It made acceptable power, but the Acura's K24 engine felt a bit more refined. The car's handling, on the other hand, was a nice surprise. It was much more nimble than I had expected, and it even corners nice and flat. In addition, the steering gives good feedback. The CTS was more like something I expected from Mercedes. The Mercedes was more like something I would have expected from BMW. Pretty cool. In spite of the sharper handling, the Mercedes rode just as smoothly as the Cadillac, although the Caddy's seats may have been a bit more comfortable than the Benz's. It's a shame that people (myself included) have poked fun of this car for being an inferior Mercedes, because it does everything it was meant to do damn well.

Allow me to go on a bit of a rant/tangent. The last E46 BMW I drove was a 1999 323i sedan back in '02. I thought it was a nice car, but I have to admit that I was a little disappointed in it. To be honest, it felt exactly like my parents' old first-gen Altima with a manual transmission and rear wheel drive. The engine was smooth, but wasn't very powerful at all. Worst of all, the body rolled just as much as our Altima, too. I really didn't (and still don't) get what the big deal about this car is. Hopefully the later E46's have improved, but my overall impression was that the C230 (as well as the CTS, my brother's G35, and my gf's IS300) are considerably better cars. I even personally prefer the S40 T5 to the 323i; the 323 is comparable to the TSX, imo.

All in all, the CTS and C230's are great cars, but I'm anxious to see what's in store for both of them later this year

[cawimmer430]

Nice reviews. The new CTS looks so much more fresh. 

The C230 Kompressor engine was never really that refined. Mercedes in Europe overhauled the 1.8-l 4-cylinder (C180K and C200K) by adding counter-rotating balance shafts which canceled out much of the inherent 4-cylinder instability. The current 1.8-l, although an aging engine, is quite refined and feels like a 6-cylinder in terms of refinement and engine sound. You have to try it to believe it.

[Raza]

God, thank you.  I've been saying forfuckingever that the old C class was beautiful to look at and actually good to drive.  I still want a C230 SC or SS with a stickshift.

[TBR]

I didn't think they still made the C230, I thought they switched to a two V6 set-up for '07.

[the Teuton]

After driving all of these cars, how would you rank them?

[Vinsanity]

I didn't think they still made the C230, I thought they switched to a two V6 set-up for '07.

I should probably mention that both of these cars I drove were '05 models. They do have 3 V6 engines for the '07 C-class, but the lowest one is still called C230.

As far as ranking the all the cars I've tried out recently, it's hard to draw a fair comparison with "oddballs" like the Evo and the Charger. But as far as what I would buy right now, so far it would go like this:

Volvo S40 T5
Cadillac CTS 3.6
Mercedes-Benz C230
Dodge Charger R/T
Mitsubishi Evo IX
Acura TSX

The Volvo is ranked 1st because it offers the most bang for the buck; it's listed for a good $4 grand less than the Benz and Caddy. I really want to try out an '04-'05 Acura TL because it seems to be the perfect candidate right now, but I can't seem to find a decent deal on one; the TL's in my price range have almost as many miles as my s2000. That's no good

[TheIntrepid]

Vinsanity, I know you're going to hate me for suggesting this, but seriously, if you're looking for fast sedans and FWD is an option, drive a Camry SE V6. Just try it out; what do you have to lose?

[omicron]

I love those wheels on that car.

[Vinsanity]

Vinsanity, I know you're going to hate me for suggesting this, but seriously, if you're looking for fast sedans and FWD is an option, drive a Camry SE V6. Just try it out; what do you have to lose?

you would just love that, wouldn't you?


j/k amigo might actually take a look at one after I check out the new Altima. and a Sonata. and maybe a Saturn Aura. Whatever. I'll get around to it :P

[Raza]

If you ranked the TSX down there, you'll probably stick the TL below it.  I know I would.

Why the S40?  I'd take the sleeper route and grab a V50!

[cawimmer430]

I didn't think they still made the C230, I thought they switched to a two V6 set-up for '07.

They did. A nice smooth and agile 2.5-l V6.

[Vinsanity]

If you ranked the TSX down there, you'll probably stick the TL below it.? I know I would.

Why the S40?? I'd take the sleeper route and grab a V50!

The issue I had with the TSX is that the 4-cylinder didn't have as much kick as I was expecting. Hopefully the TL's V6 addresses that.

V50 is an interesting idea. I don't think I'd mind driving a wagon, but there aren't too many in the used market, and a new one would just squeak above my $25k budget.

[Raza]

You never know.  A T5 with a stick might have trouble moving, they might light up and throw a lot of incentives at you to take one off their hands.