Golf etc vs BMW 3 or Merc C etc

[Dr Jekyll]

On a trip with a bit of stop start plus 50-100 miles motorway. is there much advantage in using a so called 'compact executive' over a Golf or Octavia?

With 10-12k to spend there is a wide choice of recent petrol Golfs, but also some slightly higher miles 3 series, C classes and Jaguar XEs, even XFs. Especially diesels.
Not having driven one for a while, are such cars noticeably quieter or better riding than a Golf in return for noticeably but not drastically higher running costs? I find it difficult to believe any diesel can be as quiet as a Golf 1.4Tsi. On the other hand everyone seems to like the 320d and it does look a bargain.

[ZX10R NIN]

I'd say compare eggs with eggs so 2015 or newer & less than 40k at which point you can workout what engine/spec combo is best for you.

If you stood outside then yes the Golf will be quieter inside then it'll be a different story also if you'd like a nicely spec'd Golf you'll want a GT model.

Petrol

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

2.0d the diesel engine is better suited to the journey you describe

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Infiniti Q50 (same drivetrain as the C220) Sport it's pretty hard to beat these VFM very quiet loaded with kit & generally a very nice place to be.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

You can get the same drivetrain in the Q30 but it has less sound deadening so the drivetrain is more noticeable in the same manner as a Golf vs Passat.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Accord ES GT 2.2d

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Mercedes C200 Petrol

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

320i SE

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

320d ED

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

120d Sport

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

M Sport

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

2.0d Audi A4 Ultra S Line

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

1.4T Sport

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

2.0d A3 S Line

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

1.4t S Line

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

S60 D4 very quiet inside

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

T3

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

There are lots of options but I'd go for a 3 Series sized car due to their better refinement then I'd buy an Infiniti Q50 it has all the benefits of the Mercedes along with better spec than the Mercedes, but test drive a few options & you'll workout what's best for you.