The 185hp seems very attractive and my wife thinks my A4 1.8 is not classy enough. Any comments?

<br>c

Every review I have seen says that supercharged 230 screams like a banshee.<p>Now, if an A4 isn't "classy", I would imagine a noisy C230 with that same engine won't make the cut either.<p>steve...just say "Who's yo' daddy!?", then dodge the shoes...!<br>

more classy than a 1.8T in terms of luxury features (wood trim, genuine leather interior). Remember C230 Kompressor is tuned more towards luxury sedan's softness instead of A4's handling sharpness. If you really want the class of a Mercedes-Benz, get a C280 or E-class instead. 4 banger Mercedes has already been stereotyped as the Benz for those who loves its three-pointed star (much the same as those who purchased BMW 318-series), which the image can be rather negative.<br>Tom<br>97 A4 1.8TQM

I test-drove the MB SLK, both 5 speed and automatic. Opposite to all reviews, I did not find them fast. I guess the same would go for the C230, if not worse due to the added weight. I have to tell that I did not have heart to press them hard, though... I believe that MB's should be potent enough even without pressing them like jap cars (to high rpm's), but maybe, that's me. On the other hand, I like the looks of the 99's, i.e., with skirts, etc... especially, the Sport option (silver), as well as the fit and finish! However, I've decided to keep my 98 1.8Tm due to MB's high ($34k) price tag...<p>Now, you say that it's not even your decision, but your wife's. Why don't you let her decide then? Let the Force be with you...

... VW is going to kill Mercedes while Audi defeats BMW, remember the great Peich battle plan?<p>only half kidding,<br>Cameron<br>

I recently chose between a C230ML (Kompressor) and the A4 Avant 2.8. I chose the Avant for its utility, but it was also a smoother car if that's what you want (quieter). The Kompressor engine has lots of grunt and is fun but if your wife cares about noise,she'll hear that supercharger whining away. That did not bother me. In the end I went for the more useful car. I decided to not get the C230 because after having a '94 C280 that was a fine car but full of what I deem first year model electronic glitches (26 warranty & goodwill repairs in 5 yrs.), I was not going to go for MB's infrared locking system and other unproven technology, and I wanted to teach my arrogant local MB dealer a lesson by rubbing his nose in the Audi...<br>The C230s a nice car. But I'm not sorry I got my A4 2.8Q Avant instead.

I didn't even consider a Merc when I was car shopping because it didn't really compete IMHO. I drove the A4 2.8 and BMW 328i before choosing the A4. The C-class is tuned for luxury and not sport/performance like the A4/328. But not having driven the C230K I can't offer a driving impression, although I doubt they've done much with it's handling characteristics.<p>I think the A4 is very classy, much more so than the C-class, which looks dated.<p>Mick<br>98 2.8qm

My father in law and I went to MB to check out the cheap seats. My mother in law has _always_ wanted a MB (but when she thinks MB, she's imagining a '75 450 SL). But my fil will never buy a used car (not even a classic? true!). So, I'm trying to help them find a great car that she will like. They also have a Volvo 740 (now the C70) that they love. Anyway, they have their hearts set on MB, and this seems to be the choice. My commentary - I'm trying to like this car for their sake.<p>Yes, it's a powerful engine - it has to be to pull a 3500 lb (I think) car. It is a little loud, IMHO, louder than the 1.8T that I have. But performance is not what this car is about, so lets talk about luxury . . .<p>1) Check out the seats. They are vinyl with leather insets in the seating area. I really tried, but I couldn't tell the difference. In fact, the leather in the C230K doesn't feel as nice & supple as the leatherette in my A4. Remember I'm trying to like this car.<p>2) Interior styling. It feels to me that it is a cheap scaling down of a real MB. There is wood trim, but it doesn't blend well with the tan plastic, which is very light. In fact, it had a more american feel (GM) than MB. <p>3) Controls & driver position. Remember that this is a luxury car. Talk about dated styling! The whole instrument panel looks like something out of the early 90's or late 80's. The layout of controls and buttons in some way seems like they were just trying to use the space rather than lay the controls out efficiently. <p>4) Ride. Well, the saleswoman said - take the corners hard & see how you like it. I did, and my subaru legacy wagon feels no worse in hard cornering. Course, it's hard to feel in control when you can't downshift without flooring it. Body roll isn't exactly pronounced, but it's no A4.<p>5) Exterior looks. Angular body, boxy while trying to be rounded and streamlined. This is no S-Class. In fact, it looks more like the old cavalier than an S-Class. Well, lets just say that the "Kompressor" badge on the passenger rear says it all. This is classy? Audi knows class - 1.8T is a classy way to put it, IMNSHO. OOps! I forgot - the 230 K has the classy single windscreen wiper - that's classy, isn't it? this car is about as classy for MB as steel wheels on a $27000 BMW. <p>Good lord, for around $35,000, grandpa, WHY AREN'T YOU GETTING THE A6? Now, that's a classy car.<p>Darryl<br>98.5 1.8t qms