[rytr]

So here is my predicament. I currently own a 98 honda civic. Here are my two options..

A) Trade the civic in on a new Kompressor (actually a demo from the dealership). I have taken one out and I was pretty impressed. I really like the sunroof and the overall fit and finish.

B) Keep the civic as my winter car (Canada) and buy a slightly used S2000. I have driven one at the local Honda dealership and this has been the "hands down plan" until I found the Kompressor.

I am at a cross-roads here. I have been a Honda owner for quite some time (last 3 cars) - but I really like the Benz. I realize it's not really an apples to apples comparison, each probably have their pros and cons.

I guess I am wondering if anyone found themselves in a similar situation? What cars were you considering and why did you make your choice or what is swaying your choice right now........?

Thanks
Ryan

 

[C230K]

My brother bought a new S2000 and I own,since last Oct, the C230 Coupe. He lives out of state so i did not drive his but we did compared. The S2000 to me is all sport and rides like one. My C230 is more of a road car and has all the extra safety stuff, a lot of extras you do not have on the S2000. I had ,years ago the 240Z (which i loved the sports car feel) and the C230 gives me the sports feeling (6 speed, sun roof and C7 package) and comfort. For the money the Coupe is hard to beat, (great warranty) I think the S2000 is a great looking car, but all sports and a rougher ride. So it up to you on which you like to drive and what you want out of it. Custom work will cost more for the Coupe if you go that way.
Good luck and if you get the coupe, stay with the forum, great info.
TOm

 

[Pweb]

Come on, are you kidding me? HONDA and MERCEDES-BENZ! I choose Mercedes-Benz. Benz's are very safe cars, great looking, great warranty, awesome brakes etc. If you want to race people then buy a Honda... racing is childish, at least I think so. I've had about 7 cars before buying a Benz and now I won't even consider buying a car other than Mercedes-Benz. NO WAY! If I got my money back I would buy that car again and again. After I bought the car a guy told me - "now you are a very successful man in a very successful car".

People look at you differently when you are in a Benz, they respect you. I don't want to feel like another teen driving a Honda looking for people to race. Even if you loose a race to a Honda... at the end of the day you are driving a Mercedes!

 

[rytr]

C230K - Thanks for the thoughts! I may have to drive both again. Perhaps I'll take the S2000 into the Benz dealership and do a side by side..

Pweb - Glad to see your passionate about the Benz. I respect your opinion. However, I'm as passionate about my Honda (as I've had terrific success with them in the past) as you seem to be about your Benz. Your thoughts about the safety, reliability, engineering, brakes, etc... I feel the same way about Hondas.
I have no intention of street racing any car I buy and to be honset, with the S2000's tourque, it's not really designed to be a green light drag car anyways. If I wanted that I'd buy a used C5 Vette.
I also have no concern for looking successful, gaining respect or building self esteem with the purchase of a car.

I want to buy something I will enjoy. Again.. up until last week I was ready to buy the S2000 - but I don't want to make an uninformed purchase and I thought I would test the Benz out.

Thanks
Ryan

 

[benjamin]

entry level mercedes or flagship honda... really is a tough choice. if it were my choice, i would go for the s2000. the real choice is weather you want an enjoyable car all year or a really fun car for about half the year. having the civic as a beater is really smart because you'll always have access to a much safer fwd for harsh weather (important in canada), and also have access to a high-revving fun car. that's just my opinion though.

 

[GUY]

I was also choosing between the S2000 and the C230K. Went for the Merc in the end as couldn't face the prospect of no room in/on the car for my gear and dealing with a soft top in rainy old England. Also, the C230 is a really high spec vehicle with lots of luxury as well as good performance. S2000 is a sweet car though so whichever you choose you're going to have a lot of fun.

My C230 arrives on 1 September - can't wait. Brilliant Silver with the Evolution AMG trim with a few extras like Charcoal leather, the CD changer, Parktronic and the Sequentronic sequential gearbox. My order is subject to approving the gearbox as I couldn't test it before I ordered, so fingers crossed. Will let you guys know how it works in case anyone's interested.

Great forum - v. friendly and informative.

Cheers :wink:

GUY

 

[Mark08859]

As far as outright speed, the S2000 will probably blow the doors off a C230 Coupe. Both cars will give you very good handling, especially if you opt for the C7/EVO package for the Benz.

The Coupe is certainly a more useful car in that it can actually take you, a friend, and your luggage on a trip lasting more than one day. Of course, with the Benz, you're supposed to be entering a higher level of service and treatment. I would think that the Benz would be less expensive to insure.

Basically, you're going to have to decide what you want in a car. Good luck.

 

[Lynn]

Re: re: New C230 Kompressor OR Used Honda S2000

I was also choosing between the S2000 and the C230K. Went for the Merc in the end as couldn't face the prospect of no room in/on the car for my gear and dealing with a soft top in rainy old England. Also, the C230 is a really high spec vehicle with lots of luxury as well as good performance. S2000 is a sweet car though so whichever you choose you're going to have a lot of fun.

My C230 arrives on 1 September - can't wait. Brilliant Silver with the Evolution AMG trim with a few extras like Charcoal leather, the CD changer, Parktronic and the Sequentronic sequential gearbox. My order is subject to approving the gearbox as I couldn't test it before I ordered, so fingers crossed. Will let you guys know how it works in case anyone's interested.

Great forum - v. friendly and informative.

Cheers :wink:

GUY

Welcome to the forum, GUY. We are looking forward to you evaluation of the Sequentronic. We can't get it here in North America. Also tell us how you like the Parktronic. That isn't available on C-class cars here, either.

 

[Kelly]

C230 all the way

If you're looking for speed then go for the s2000
If u want a good car
then go for the benz

I definetely love the c230
but
the s200 is not a bad choice
basically all it comes down to is luxury or sport

and of course money
I'm a young guy
I'm really young
I just got the c230
I'm working my ass off to pay for my car that originally my mom wanted
I wanted the WRX actually
but now my heart has grown to the C230 K

well

juss follow your heart man

 

[vyse]

If I were you, and I, being an eighteen year old, would get the S2000.The S2000 looks immature, enjoy while you can I didn't really want the C230k, I was hoping for a WRX or VW GTi, but my mom says the C230K is safer and what not. Well, I'm not gonna complain, after all, it IS a Mercedes!
I tried a Miata before, although it's not a S2000, I'd dare say that it's at least similar. It's very light and very tossable, as opposed to the C230K which feels heavier and less sporty. Of course, I don't doubt its performance since I've never had any troubles passing anyone be it uphill, downhill, whatever. And I'm pretty sure you'd get less menacing looks in a C230K from ricers than if you drove one of the more popular Japanese sport cars. I bet if you got the S2K, you'd have ricers in civics breathing down your back at every light!

However, no matter how high-end a Honda is, IMO, it'll never have teh nice solid feeling that German cars have. I rode in my friend's 3.2TL(I consider Acuras to be Hondas) and the doors still feel light and flimsy compared to a MB. I love the solid German feel. So overall, I'd say if you're going for quality, mild performance, luxury and great customer service, go for the C230K. If all you want is raw performance, and don't mind the reliable but somewhat "cheaper" feel (although not cheaper $-wise), go for the S2000.