German Car Zone

From todays issue of AutoBild:

Model ............... 320d ........ C220CDI
Karosseri ............ 161 .......... 165
Engine/chassis .... 166 ........... 169
Costs ................ 152 ........... 146
Total ................. 479 .......... 480

So, the C-class wins by 1 point

No surprises from Autobild

So far its 11 to 5 for MB in Autobild comparisons.

has the C class lost any comparison in ANY mag yet to he bimmer or audi?

Mind that in September new engine in 320d is coming: with 177 PS / 350Nm, Brake Energy Regeneration, Automatic Stop & Start function, better performance & fuel consumption etc.

I'm eager to see a comparison test between new A4 1.9 TDI, new C 220CDI & updated 320d sometimes in October / November.

That will be a though fight.

If we take costs out it's a clear victory for C class. Of course that's understandable , both Audi and Mercedes have done their homework. Competition will be more difficult that ever for 3 series.

And if i believe the opinion of someone who drove the A5 in Ingolstadt , the ride and handling are better than E92 , so i expect the same for new A4.

then we should take out the category Warranties too and the victory isnt clear anymore
its common that the newest model win comparisons, expect the next generation A4 to beat both 3er and C-class and when next generation 3er comes than that car will beat the competition and so on, its a neverending battle.

I guess it was an Audi person (or fan) who drove A5, right?

If you think Audi is going to overtake BMW in driver involvement feeling you are completely wrong.
And BMW are all about that: driver involvement. This is what BMW cars promise & deliver - even the E65/6 7er.

Yet I'm sure Audi will offer very refined car with refined ride & handling. But the driver involvement trophy still goes to BMW. And after DPC (kind a modern LSD) will find way in most BMW models soon the gap will be even larger.

There is still the basic difference between MB / Audi / BMW present - and lately all three are enhancing their advantages even more:

MB: pure luxury & comfort with a touch of sportiness
BMW: pure sportiness & driver involvement with a touch of luxury & comfort
Audi: combining both worlds - sportiness, comfort & luxury (Jack of all trades, master of none)

So, a customer pick what fits him / her best. Some want pure comfort, for some driver involvement & sportiness are important, some just want to have a car which delivers a bit of both worlds.

Handling and driver involvement/fun are two different things. All carmakers can build a car that handles well or better than a BMW. But it doesnt mean the car is fun to drive just becuase a car has good handling.
Handling and driver involvement/fun are two separate things.

do someone recall if the results for the W203 was this good at debut against the previous 3er..
i cant remember really