Why does the 2010 Mercedes-Benz C300 4MATIC cost approximately $5k more than a similarly equipped 2010 Volvo S40 T5 AWD R-Design? When you put together a chart comparing the two, that’s exactly what happens.
2010 Mercedes-Benz C300 4MATIC |
2010 Volvo S40 T5 AWD R-Design |
||
EXTERIOR |
Black |
EXTERIOR |
Black |
INTERIOR |
Black |
INTERIOR |
Black |
BASE PRICE · 228 hp V6 · 7-Speed Automatic · Glass Sunroof · 17” Alloy Wheels |
$33,600 |
BASE PRICE · 227 HP T5 turbo · Sport Suspension · AWD · 17” Alloy Wheels |
31,350 |
DESTINATION |
875 |
DESTINATION |
850 |
AUTOMATIC TRANS. |
N/C |
AUTOMATIC TRANS |
1,250 |
PREMIUM PKG · Heated Front Seats · Rain Sensing Wipers · SIRIUS Satellite Radio |
2,300 |
PREFERRED PKG · Power Glass Moonroof · Power Passenger Seat · Keyless Drive |
1,250 |
COMAND PKG · 7-inch Retractable Display · In-dash 6-Disc · iPod/Memory Card Port |
1,800 |
MULTIMEDIA PKG · Dynaudio Premium Sound · SIRIUS Satellite Radio · USB media port |
1,000 |
KEYLESS-GO |
1,130 |
CLIMATE PKG · Heated front seats · Headlamp Washers · Rain Sensor |
900 |
4MATIC AWD |
3,500 |
LEATHER SEATS |
200 |
BURL WALNUT WOOD TRIM |
320 |
NAVIGATION IN-DASH |
1,800 |
TOTAL |
$43,525 |
|
$38,600 |
As I consider the two, it would seem that it comes down to size, looks, and economy. We don’t currently have an S40 T5 AWD R-Design, so you’ll have to forgive me for using a 2.4i in the pictures below. In any event, you can see that the S40 seems to be slightly smaller than the C300 Sport. As to the looks, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. So, you’ll have to judge that for yourself. But I will say that the C300 has more of a luxurious interior than the S40. When it comes to economy, both engines have almost identical power, but the Volvo (19/28 mpg) edges the MB (17/24 mpg).
So, which one is the better car? That depends on who you ask. Both have the options you require, so your best bet is to schedule a test drive to see which would work best for you.
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