[JrdBeau]

Hey everyone, I saw this mentioned in another thread on this site and was also surprised that this topic was not discussed more.

According to a review I read about the 2002 C230K, it had a 2.3L 192HP/200lb-ft torque engine.

According to the mbusa.com webpage, the 2003 C230K has a 1.8L 189HP/192lb-ft torque engine.

One thing that I noticed was the difference in the torque rpm range. The 2002 engine had its max torque from 2500 - 4800 rpm while the 2003 engine'd torque rpm range is much smaller at 3500-4500.

Any comments, opinions, or thoughts?

 

[Lynn]

This was discussed a whole lot on the bigger fora. With the new engine, you will get better gas mileage, and a smoother engine. The new engine has dual balance shafts. 0-60 is a tenth of a second slower. Currently there are no mods for the new engine. We don't know if it will be possible to over boost the supercharger. No one knows if it is possible to make abigger crank pulley or a smaller supercharger pulley.

The new engine uses a supercharger apparently built by Mercedes instead of the Eaton M-45 used on the 2002's, SLK230's and W202 C230k sedans. The new engine uses 11 pounds of boost as opposed to the old engines 5 pounds. The new engine is all aluminum and is about 55 lighter.

http://www.mbspy.com/M271.htm

 

[freds733]

I think that I would rather have the 2.3. Before I installed my Kleemann pulley kit I had to shift my 2.3 alot to keep it in the revs. The torque curve on the 1.8 is pretty narrow and will require even more attention to gear selection. Also the 2.3 has room for additional power; the 1.8 may be tweaked to the max already. I do think that I'll go to my dealer and drive a 2003. That may change my mind.:?:

 

[JrdBeau]

I think that I would rather have the 2.3. Before I installed my Kleemann pulley kit I had to shift my 2.3 alot to keep it in the revs. The torque curve on the 1.8 is pretty narrow and will require even more attention to gear selection. Also the 2.3 has room for additional power; the 1.8 may be tweaked to the max already. I do think that I'll go to my dealer and drive a 2003. That may change my mind.:?:

Yeah, I know what you mean. I have an RSX Type S and to get ANY kind of power out of it I have to be ABOVE 3500 rpms. When I noticed the engine change on the C230K from the 2.3 to the 1.8, I quickly checked the torque range. Torque on the new 1.8 is 192 lb-ft @ 3,500 - 4,000 rpm. My RSX only has 142 lbs-ft @ 6000 rpm. I think a test drive is going to be necessary to see what the 1.8 can do.