Mercedes-Benz C230 Kompressor: Future Classic

The 2002 variation, which was a version of the CL203 C-Class, was at first powered by the supercharged 2.3-liter, however from the 2004 version year on, it obtained a 1.8-liter supercharged inline four that went down power a little to 189 horse power at 5,800 rpm and 192 pound-feet at 3,500 rpm.

Some grumbled that the “sporting activity” adjective was ill-placed, and that the C230 sports car was too much program and not enough go. This “sporty” coupe was never marketed as a muscular tissue machine, and, in fact, was the opposite of one of those. In flashy circumstances, the rear-wheel drive sports car made for spirited driving, with 16-inch wheels and the six speed. The sports car acquired the 192-horsepower (at 5500 rpm) 2.3-liter supercharged four-cylinder engine from the SLK, with a changed fuel-injection system and streamlined exhaust, both said to enhance low-end torque. Tones of red appeared to fit quite well on the C230: With the years, the Germans offered it in Paprika, Bordeaux Red and Lava Red.

Unquestionably, the C230 was targeted at the suburbs, not at the track. Enthusiasts at the time could have taken into consideration the Audi TT or BMW 325Ci much more practical alternatives (for $5,000 more), however the target audience was pleased with the Benz mood, and evidently not badly put off by the smallish back seat and both doors. Also, cargo space took advantage of the hatch setup: Pop it and fold up down the rear seat, and you’ve got 38 cubic feet of storage space for great deals of stuff.

Shade options were lots of and varied. Shades of red seemed to fit fairly well on the C230: Through the years, the Germans offered it in Paprika, Bordeaux Red and Lava Red. You might not intend to inspect Citron Eco-friendly in your search filter, though.

Throughout its 5 years for sale, the C230 Kompressor brought in, besides others, the more youthful Golf owners who wished to up his/her driveway account with a Mercedes, and damn the concessions. Like, for instance, rear-wheel drive. A cramped back seat. A supercharger, glitzy theoretically however a devil to solution.

Some whined that the “sport” adjective was ill-placed, and that the C230 sports car was too much show and not enough go. This “flashy” sports car was never ever marketed as a muscle equipment, and, in truth, was the opposite of one of those.

In 2002 (no relationship to the BMW of that name), the C230 was the lowest-priced Benz for sale in the U.S. market, at regarding $26,000. Doubters fumed that a two-door hatchback threatened the “reputation ratio” of the brand name. Buyers nevertheless were evidently satisfied.

Due to the fact that the manual transmission was brief on slink, take into consideration looking for a sports car with an automatic, which usually featured natural leather and bumped the sticker label to around $28,000. The $995 view sunroof alternative might turn and move and eliminated the claustrophobia for those embeded the rear.

The inside was restrained however comfortable and attractive, at the very least for those in advance. Likewise basic were light weight aluminum dashboard trim, the natural leather wrapped tilt/telescope steering wheel, electric windows and dual-zone environment control.

And the appearance was unarguably handsome, a forward-leaning wedge that would stand up to stares two decades after its arrival. Also those possible buyers who weren’t knocked senseless by the brief back side … well, it was the view from the front that counted: the three-pointed star on the hood.

Those Audis and BMWs ought to be high up on this list. Mustang and Camaros likewise figure right into the purchasing process, especially for motorists trying to find even more masculinity in the shape and more grunt in the powertrain.

Be sure to look into our utilized car listings; they can be handy for locating a bargain. You can narrow the alternatives down by a span around your postal code, and make certain to focus on the deal ranking on each listing to see how a car compares with others in a similar area.

In stylish circumstances, the rear-wheel drive coupe produced lively driving, with 16-inch wheels and the six rate. The sports car acquired the 192-horsepower (at 5500 rpm) 2.3-liter supercharged four-cylinder engine from the SLK, with a changed fuel-injection device and streamlined exhaust, both stated to enhance low-end torque. The torque had not been what you would call abundant, but it began low, peaking at 200 pound-feet at 2,500 rpm.