Mercedes C43 vs BMW 440i Grand Coupe vs Alfa Romeo Veloce
Discussion
Looking for opinions on these three cars please. To be used by a family of 2 + 2.
My heart says Merc C43, but the size of the boot is the only thing putting me off and I wonder how well I'm going to fit the stuff required for a hobby into the boot along with all of the general stuff you carry when you go on UK holidays. Estate version of out of my price range. Roof bars and a box could help with holidays I suppose. Plus points, looks good, sounds great, has the most power of the three. Lovely interior too. The most expensive of the three at around £28k for a 2017.
The 4 Series, lightly bigger boot, and more usable being a hatchback. Interior looks nice but it's the least best looking of the three. Sounds nice but has less power than the C43. Looks wise, it's lovely, but it's the least best looking of the three. A little cheaper than the C43 at around £24-25k for a 2018.
Alfa, it's 4 cylinder, 280hp and has the lowest power of the three. However, to me, it's by far the best looking. Interior looks lovely although I can see some standard hard plastics similar to what you get in a Fiat 500 in there. Again, it's a saloon so limited usability but it does have a slightly bigger boot that the Merc. The good thing with the Alfa is it's the cheapest of three at £24k for a 2018. Because of the engine, this one probably won't come top of the list for people on PH, but I think the lack of more cylinders is made up for by it's looks.
At late notice I'm also going to throw the Jaguar XF 300 into the mix as well, but I've not given it too much attention because it doesn't look as good as the three above, and it's a 4 pot. For me the only thing going for this is the boot.
I'm coming from a Superb 280 which has been remapped to 350hp, but due to turbo failure and other engine issues and weighing up changing cars. I like the Superb, it's a great car, loads of space, plenty of equipment, even at stock it has plenty of power for day to day driving but there's a couple of things it lacks for me. The first, handling. I improved the handling by fitting Koni shocks which did improve things, but there's still too much lean in the corners which could be solved with a stiffer roll bar. The second thing missing, noise. I know it's a 4 pot, but because of the cars target market it's been made to be quiet and it just doesn't have that noise you get that puts a smile on your face when you plant your foot down. In comparison, my wife's Mini Cooper S, while not being the fastest thing on the roads, has a lovely grumble and some nice pops that make you want to wind your window down and hear them some more.
Does anyone have any experience with either of the cars above, especially anyone with a family, how did you get on with the boot?
My heart says Merc C43, but the size of the boot is the only thing putting me off and I wonder how well I'm going to fit the stuff required for a hobby into the boot along with all of the general stuff you carry when you go on UK holidays. Estate version of out of my price range. Roof bars and a box could help with holidays I suppose. Plus points, looks good, sounds great, has the most power of the three. Lovely interior too. The most expensive of the three at around £28k for a 2017.
The 4 Series, lightly bigger boot, and more usable being a hatchback. Interior looks nice but it's the least best looking of the three. Sounds nice but has less power than the C43. Looks wise, it's lovely, but it's the least best looking of the three. A little cheaper than the C43 at around £24-25k for a 2018.
Alfa, it's 4 cylinder, 280hp and has the lowest power of the three. However, to me, it's by far the best looking. Interior looks lovely although I can see some standard hard plastics similar to what you get in a Fiat 500 in there. Again, it's a saloon so limited usability but it does have a slightly bigger boot that the Merc. The good thing with the Alfa is it's the cheapest of three at £24k for a 2018. Because of the engine, this one probably won't come top of the list for people on PH, but I think the lack of more cylinders is made up for by it's looks.
At late notice I'm also going to throw the Jaguar XF 300 into the mix as well, but I've not given it too much attention because it doesn't look as good as the three above, and it's a 4 pot. For me the only thing going for this is the boot.
I'm coming from a Superb 280 which has been remapped to 350hp, but due to turbo failure and other engine issues and weighing up changing cars. I like the Superb, it's a great car, loads of space, plenty of equipment, even at stock it has plenty of power for day to day driving but there's a couple of things it lacks for me. The first, handling. I improved the handling by fitting Koni shocks which did improve things, but there's still too much lean in the corners which could be solved with a stiffer roll bar. The second thing missing, noise. I know it's a 4 pot, but because of the cars target market it's been made to be quiet and it just doesn't have that noise you get that puts a smile on your face when you plant your foot down. In comparison, my wife's Mini Cooper S, while not being the fastest thing on the roads, has a lovely grumble and some nice pops that make you want to wind your window down and hear them some more.
Does anyone have any experience with either of the cars above, especially anyone with a family, how did you get on with the boot?
Owned both the 440i GC and a Veloce.
Go for a 440i built before Sept 2018 and get the MPPSK installed for about £1500.
Takes it to at least 360bhp/500NM and puts an M performance valved exhaust on. I've been told they actually put out closer to 400bhp with the MPPSK on, but who knows?
Even in stock form it feels significantly faster than the Alfa, probably due to the power / torque delivery of the b58.
Go for a 440i built before Sept 2018 and get the MPPSK installed for about £1500.
Takes it to at least 360bhp/500NM and puts an M performance valved exhaust on. I've been told they actually put out closer to 400bhp with the MPPSK on, but who knows?
Even in stock form it feels significantly faster than the Alfa, probably due to the power / torque delivery of the b58.
RonnieHotdogs said:
Owned both the 440i GC and a Veloce.
Go for a 440i built before Sept 2018 and get the MPPSK installed for about £1500.
Takes it to at least 360bhp/500NM and puts an M performance valved exhaust on. I've been told they actually put out closer to 400bhp with the MPPSK on, but who knows?
Even in stock form it feels significantly faster than the Alfa, probably due to the power / torque delivery of the b58.
I'm banned from modifying cars now after the experience of the current car and at least a £3k repair bill!Go for a 440i built before Sept 2018 and get the MPPSK installed for about £1500.
Takes it to at least 360bhp/500NM and puts an M performance valved exhaust on. I've been told they actually put out closer to 400bhp with the MPPSK on, but who knows?
Even in stock form it feels significantly faster than the Alfa, probably due to the power / torque delivery of the b58.
However, I've just looked at the MPPSK you've mentioned and it seems it was a dealer option so I may get it through the wife approval process. My wife is of course correct, it's been an expensive experience for little benefit and I'm in full support of no more remaps.
TheBinarySheep said:
I'm banned from modifying cars now after the experience of the current car and at least a £3k repair bill!
However, I've just looked at the MPPSK you've mentioned and it seems it was a dealer option so I may get it through the wife approval process. My wife is of course correct, it's been an expensive experience for little benefit and I'm in full support of no more remaps.
Yep, fully supported by BMW as it's a pack supplied and fitted by a dealer ... As my car was only a few months old the MPPSK was fully warrantied by BMW However, I've just looked at the MPPSK you've mentioned and it seems it was a dealer option so I may get it through the wife approval process. My wife is of course correct, it's been an expensive experience for little benefit and I'm in full support of no more remaps.
I had a vaguely similar decision to make in the summer (https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&t=1873378&d=0#seperator) and went for the C43 saloon.
I don’t regret it one bit (despite it being stolen and recovered in December): it sounds great (mine doesn’t even have the performance exhaust), goes like stink and can be very quiet and relaxed when needed. Also, it costs less to run than I thought (warranty is £43/month all in; when I enquired about the BMW equivalent on a 3/440i, it was nearly twice the cost, and had an excess).
Happy to answer any questions.
I don’t regret it one bit (despite it being stolen and recovered in December): it sounds great (mine doesn’t even have the performance exhaust), goes like stink and can be very quiet and relaxed when needed. Also, it costs less to run than I thought (warranty is £43/month all in; when I enquired about the BMW equivalent on a 3/440i, it was nearly twice the cost, and had an excess).
Happy to answer any questions.
TheBinarySheep said:
Welshbeef said:
Got to ask why not go for a 2016 C63 4TT C205? Surely that is materially superior to the C43 including residuals in every possible way over the C43?
My max budget is around £28k, and from what I can see those are £45k for four door?2016 reg. superb cars.
bobsavage789 said:
I had a vaguely similar decision to make in the summer (https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&t=1873378&d=0#seperator) and went for the C43 saloon.
I don’t regret it one bit (despite it being stolen and recovered in December): it sounds great (mine doesn’t even have the performance exhaust), goes like stink and can be very quiet and relaxed when needed. Also, it costs less to run than I thought (warranty is £43/month all in; when I enquired about the BMW equivalent on a 3/440i, it was nearly twice the cost, and had an excess).
Happy to answer any questions.
Thanks.I don’t regret it one bit (despite it being stolen and recovered in December): it sounds great (mine doesn’t even have the performance exhaust), goes like stink and can be very quiet and relaxed when needed. Also, it costs less to run than I thought (warranty is £43/month all in; when I enquired about the BMW equivalent on a 3/440i, it was nearly twice the cost, and had an excess).
Happy to answer any questions.
The C43 is the most expensive to purchase from the cars I've listed, but it's the one I want. The only thing putting me off is the bloody size of the boot. 400 litres isn't much especially when you're coming from a car with 625 litres. It's hatchback sized boot with most hatchbacks having 350-400 litres anyway. Granted, the boot is empty probably 90% of the time, but it's the other 10% when you actually want to use it. For example, one of my hobbies involves me transporting a box all of my gear that's 640mm wide, 380mm deep and 610mm height, along with a fold up 4ft table and a fold up chair. While I'm sure these would fit in the boot if I lay the box down it'll result in the box being a total mess inside. In the grand scheme of things, I suppose I could just buy a different carrier for all of my gear.
In terms of fuel consumption, what are you getting?
As standard, does the C43 come with Apple CarPlay? and what's the sound system like?
culpz said:
Why a 440i GC and not a 340i Touring? That's what I'd go for.
They're more expensive for the same age, and come in at around the same price as the C43, and at that price, I'd rather have the C43 despite the lack of space.If I'm honest, the 340i Touring doesn't really score well with me in the looks department either. Front looks nice, but the back resembles something that a 40 year virgin might date as his first girlfriend.
The biggest thing putting me off the BMW's is the interior, it's starting to look well dated now.
Edited by TheBinarySheep on Tuesday 2nd February 10:50
I've just found out that the C43 doesn't have Apple CarPlay which I really enjoy having so I can use Waze without having to set my phone up on a separate holder.
As an alternative, I'm also considering an Audi S4 Avant. Has the power, Apple CarPlay, boot space, and exhaust note. I just have no idea how well they ride in comparison to the others.
As an alternative, I'm also considering an Audi S4 Avant. Has the power, Apple CarPlay, boot space, and exhaust note. I just have no idea how well they ride in comparison to the others.
TheBinarySheep said:
culpz said:
Why a 440i GC and not a 340i Touring? That's what I'd go for.
They're more expensive for the same age, and come in at around the same price as the C43, and at that price, I'd rather have the C43 despite the lack of space.If I'm honest, the 340i Touring doesn't really score well with me in the looks department either. Front looks nice, but the back resembles something that a 40 year virgin might date as his first girlfriend.
The biggest thing putting me off the BMW's is the interior, it's starting to look well dated now.
Edited by TheBinarySheep on Tuesday 2nd February 10:50
Disagree entirely on your opinion on the aesthetics, but each to their own.
TheBinarySheep said:
Thanks.
The C43 is the most expensive to purchase from the cars I've listed, but it's the one I want. The only thing putting me off is the bloody size of the boot. 400 litres isn't much especially when you're coming from a car with 625 litres. It's hatchback sized boot with most hatchbacks having 350-400 litres anyway. Granted, the boot is empty probably 90% of the time, but it's the other 10% when you actually want to use it. For example, one of my hobbies involves me transporting a box all of my gear that's 640mm wide, 380mm deep and 610mm height, along with a fold up 4ft table and a fold up chair. While I'm sure these would fit in the boot if I lay the box down it'll result in the box being a total mess inside. In the grand scheme of things, I suppose I could just buy a different carrier for all of my gear.
In terms of fuel consumption, what are you getting?
As standard, does the C43 come with Apple CarPlay? and what's the sound system like?
Obviously I’m not doing much driving these days (WFH etc.), but during my 6 mile each way suburban commute, with lots of junctions and traffic lights, I get mid 20s MPG. Easily capable of 30+ on a long run. For economy, the BMW’s B58 has it beaten.The C43 is the most expensive to purchase from the cars I've listed, but it's the one I want. The only thing putting me off is the bloody size of the boot. 400 litres isn't much especially when you're coming from a car with 625 litres. It's hatchback sized boot with most hatchbacks having 350-400 litres anyway. Granted, the boot is empty probably 90% of the time, but it's the other 10% when you actually want to use it. For example, one of my hobbies involves me transporting a box all of my gear that's 640mm wide, 380mm deep and 610mm height, along with a fold up 4ft table and a fold up chair. While I'm sure these would fit in the boot if I lay the box down it'll result in the box being a total mess inside. In the grand scheme of things, I suppose I could just buy a different carrier for all of my gear.
In terms of fuel consumption, what are you getting?
As standard, does the C43 come with Apple CarPlay? and what's the sound system like?
Yes, the interior and boot space is poor: the rear seats seem small for a car in this segment (the new 3 series is palatial in comparison). I can’t really comment on the boot, beyond saying that it’s definitely bigger than that in my old mk 7 GTI.
As I think you’ve already discovered, pre-facelift cars don’t have CarPlay, although I find the built-in dynamic sat nav thing rather good. One issue that’s annoyed me slightly is the number of connectivity things you have to pay for when the car is 3 years old.
I have a premium plus, with the Burmester system (lower specs don’t have this). I’m no expert by any means, but I think it’s a superb sound system: best I’ve ever had in a car.
Superleg48 said:
Why don’t you consider a C43 Estate? Achievable with your budget and fully resolved your boot capacity issues:
There are a few on AT between 26k and 30k.
I did look at those, but they're really pushing my budget and are higher mileage that I'd ideally like (max 30,000 mile).There are a few on AT between 26k and 30k.
TheBinarySheep said:
I've just found out that the C43 doesn't have Apple CarPlay which I really enjoy having so I can use Waze without having to set my phone up on a separate holder.
As an alternative, I'm also considering an Audi S4 Avant. Has the power, Apple CarPlay, boot space, and exhaust note. I just have no idea how well they ride in comparison to the others.
These guys https://www.naviplus.com.au/online-store/Touch-ove...As an alternative, I'm also considering an Audi S4 Avant. Has the power, Apple CarPlay, boot space, and exhaust note. I just have no idea how well they ride in comparison to the others.
do a seamless retrofit for carplay / android auto. You don't replace any of the factory equipment, instead you install a very thin overlay over the top of the factory screen. I have the system in a non-mercedes and it's absolutely brilliant.
Gassing Station | Car Buying | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff