Current Mondeo refinement vs e39 530

[pablo36]

Hi

Until a couple of years ago I had a lovely e39. One of the things I loved was the low noise levels on long motorway journeys. I am thinking about getting a nearly new mondeo to be used as a practical family car which will be used for long journeys. All the reviews say it is a refined long distance cruiser and I know cars have come on since the e39 but would it get close to the refinement? I have a focus at the moment and I find that quite noisy compared to the BMW.

Can anyone say how they compare?

[talksthetalk]

One word here.....

Tyres.

Choosing the right tyres IMHO makes as much difference as the car you choose.

Can;t compare the mondeo to the 530 as I haven't driven far in the Beemer, however SWMBO has a e46 330 and I'd say the Mondeo is quieter.

If you have a smartphone, take some readings with a soundmeter app if poss. The readings may not be accurate, but will give you a comparison.

[MC Bodge]

I'm not sure how it compares with a BMW E39, but the Mk4 Mondeo is certainly quiet, refined and comfortable enough for my trans-continental drives at decent speed (as was the Mk3) and better than it should be on the Alpine passes. It's certainly not an issue.

"Sports" suspension and 18" wheels are probably to be avoided if you're sensible/thinking about comfort.

As above, quiet tyres can also help.

The Mondeo is probably a similar size to the E39.

Edited by MC Bodge on Monday 28th January 22:09

[pablo36]

Thanks for your thoughts yes I think it is mainly tyre noise in the focus. I was also thinking about whether it makes much diff between hatchback i.e mondeo and saloons such as passatt.

[pablo36]

I think the mondeo is slightly larger actually but not by much. Good to hear your comments about long distance comfort. Do you mind me asking what engine you have? There are loads to choose for. Putting my sensible hat on I fancy the tdci 140 which seems a good all rounder.

[MC Bodge]

TDCI 140 here.

It's not going to impress anybody on paper and not really fast off the mark (it's a diesel), but it's fine from a rolling start and a good all-rounder with decent motorway performance -not bad on the back roads either.

Not really relevant to the UK, but on the Autobahn I saw an indicated 134mph a number of times and I was able to keep up with the various other 2.0 TD cars over there (some more powerful on paper). Over 100mph the acceleration is much better than my older Mk3 "130" was.

In normal road driving I've not found the performance lacking and it gives high 40s-50 mpg (calculated), more in warm weather, the dash display over-reads by around 5mpg.

Edited by MC Bodge on Monday 28th January 22:29

[HustleRussell]

I expect the mondeo will be quieter, especially in terms of wind noise.

[MC Bodge]

Other than the "badge" in the eyes of some people, the Mondeo is a great (big) all-rounder.

[pablo36]

Thar,s really good to hear those positive comments . Sounds like I wouldn't,t be disappointed with the refinement. I like the idea of the economy, performance, space,, practicality, safety it offers as a family car. Even the later ones seem to be well equipped.