No brainer in my book. The 335 will destroy the benz in every aspect minus looks. I personally think the C class with the AMG trimmings looks amazing. I would still prefer the 335 for its amazing motor and twin turbo tunability

 

the twin turbo with JB3 and dinan mods can go close to 400hp no?? ehhehehhehe i am even thinking to jump ship frm 250 to a 335i

 

Going on an internet forum and asking the guys to give their opinion about which car is "better" is probably the worst way to get a straight and honest answer. There are simply to many biases involved. "Better" always depends on the person and their needs.

These two cars couldn't be more different from one another in the first place. The 335i is a performance machine with heavy emphasis on handling and sport, the traditional BMW forte. The C350 continues the traditional MB approach of offering luxury and comfort with a bit of sport. Although in the case of the new C class the sport aspect has been greatly improved.

Thus, from a performance and handling perspective, the 335i will be the clear winner. From a balance perspective the C class seems to be the better car because it offers a nice blend of comfort, sport and luxury. The C class has often been described as a car with no major weaknesses because of this harmonious balance.

I'm familiar with the W204 C class because I owned one about a year ago (company car). It was a simple C200 CDI diesel but it was very impressive to me. Comfortable, spacious, solid and even refined. The handling was completely fine. You can drive the W204 in a sporty manor around twisty roads and it copes brilliantly. By no means is this car a terrible handler - the 335i is just more capable in extreme situations, that's all. The car was the perfect companion for long trips that I undertook with my then-girlfriend (now wife).


So, which car is better? That depends entirely on you. What are you looking for? Top handling, luxury and top performance (335i)? Or great comfort, luxury and good performance (C350)?

 

+1... for performance, 335 either version, hands down

For luxury, MB

 

what he said

make sure you get the red leather

 

E92 335i Space Grey Ext, Coral Red Int.

Thank me later.

 

335i. Hands down. Preferably, the e92 if possible. Had a 335i loaner the other day and loved it. I have a 550i and I was just flat out amazed how good of a car it is...I didn't want to give it back

 

I voted for 335i. I test drove this car, its engine response, steering feel, compartment quietness and suspension feel are too impressive to me. If it was not because my father already has a BMW, I would have bought it over IS350. And also, I like the updated rear lights of the 3-series.

 

i thought the c350 was getting a HP boost to 300+hp ??

 

TwinBlue, I have to agree with that as well. The e90 LCI refresh looks great all around. The tail-lights look great as well as the kidney grills. I have always been a fan of the e92's looks. Can't go wrong with the e90 or e92 IMO.

 

I think a lot depends on what you plan to do with it, preference for ride quality, etc. The best way to find out which is the better car for you is to go out to the dealers and drive them you can read and solicit opinions all you'd like, but that's not the way to go IMO. Are you buying a car that will satisfy the largest crowd of CL members of for you own enjoyment?

For what it's worth, the BMW gets my vote. Although the styling of the the 3, IMO, can't compete with the C. If there was a C that "felt" like a 3, that'd be a killer combo!

 

If you want handling, get the 335, if you want good exterior and interior design, get the C350. If you want all 3, then get a S4

 

Hopefully soon, the 3.5L SLK already got it.

 

It depends on your preferences. You won't go wrong either way.

However IMHO:
Between C63 AMG and BMW M3, you can't go wrong with MB there (as it will crush the E90 M3 to a pulp).

 

I love how very few people actually like the look of a BMW, but the BWM usually wins out because of the driving experience.

I admit to being in this catagory myself.