FRS/BRZ vs. CLA 250

[Mikem53]

The C class Benz wouldn't cut it for me as a spots car replacement.
Might be a good commuter car, but will never replace the Go-Kart experience the FRS provides. The CLA is the opposite of "pure" anything..
It will just be another appliance like commuter car with boost... Meh...

[DarkSunrise]

I saw one of these on the road the other day. Did not look as good as I was expecting.

[AsianStyle]

Originally Posted by caradd

Do not buy the low end model of a luxury brand. Unless you are a badge whore you will get bored really quick.

And you're not going to find one for 30k. Most will be optioned out and would probably be in the mid to high 30's.

I don't agree with that statement. I'd rather have a cayman over a 911 and I'm sure I would prefer the new 2-series to the 3/4-series BMW.

The biggest problem with the CLA is the same problem the new BMW 1-series is going to have. It is fwd and they expect you to pay premium price for an inherently cheaper drive train. The only CLA i would consider would be the AMG, but with the car being a fwd car I'm sure the awd setup will be fwd biased.

[muffinz]

Originally Posted by DarkSunrise

I saw one of these on the road the other day. Did not look as good as I was expecting.

I saw a bunch of them at a dealership and I couldn't believe mercedes created such a hideous car. They use clever camera angles in the commercials to make it look FARRR nicer than it really is.

Additionally, like caradd said...theres no point to buying the lowest model of a luxury brand unless you're a badge whore. It's like being the 3rd string quarterback on a superbowl winning team...yeah you're associated with greatness...but you kinda suck lolol *worst of the best*

Additionally insurance will probably be more expensive and maintenance and replacement parts are probably insanely expensive.

[ThisIsChrisKim]

Remember, the CLA is built on the A-series platform, MB's budget platform. Once you put even a few options on it, it hits into the upper 30's. I have a feeling very few of these will be available at base price with no options. I've never seen a single luxury brand that had any base cars on their lots.

[fitcious]

i dont think you will turn as many heads in a CLA compare to being in a FR-S.

[No Brakes]

I work at mercedes benz as a tech and ive driven both the cla 250 and the cla45 (got lucky) and they are very nice cars but i havent seen one under 39k and most are in the 40s, as a daily driver it would be a great car but it wont be nearly as fun as the frs.

[chrisl]

Originally Posted by AsianStyle

I don't agree with that statement. I'd rather have a cayman over a 911 and I'm sure I would prefer the new 2-series to the 3/4-series BMW.

The biggest problem with the CLA is the same problem the new BMW 1-series is going to have. It is fwd and they expect you to pay premium price for an inherently cheaper drive train. The only CLA i would consider would be the AMG, but with the car being a fwd car I'm sure the awd setup will be fwd biased.

I remember reading (I forget where) that the torque split on the CLA45 will range from 90-10 (front-rear) to 50-50, and it will never send more than half the power to the rear. Assuming that's correct, it's really disappointing, since the car will basically drive like a FWD platform all the time. I'm also disappointed about the new 1 series - I was hoping that the new 1 series would be a lighter, smaller RWD platform than the current 1 series. That would make it more of a driver's car, since the 3 series has grown so much recently, leaving a gap for a small, lightweight, fun rwd platform. Instead though, they will be catering to the people who want a BMW simply for brand recognition. I'm sure they'll make tons of profit that way, but it is disappointing to me.

[DarkSunrise]

Originally Posted by chrisl

I remember reading (I forget where) that the torque split on the CLA45 will range from 90-10 (front-rear) to 50-50, and it will never send more than half the power to the rear. Assuming that's correct, it's really disappointing, since the car will basically drive like a FWD platform all the time.

I know Top Gear Magazine was disappointed with the understeer in the A45 AMG, and I believe it shares its AWD drivetrain with the CLA45.

On the track, that initial understeer dials itself up to a whole other level. If you don't get your braking done right, it's like the front end has turned to marzipan. Oh, and on the steep downhill braking zone, it keeps you busy by weaving about a bit too, and there are places where a bit more body control wouldn't go amiss.

http://www.topgear.com/uk/photos/spe...amg-2013-08-16

[sprintertrueno86]

Originally Posted by fitcious

i dont think you will turn as many heads in a CLA compare to being in a FR-S.

Maybe in the 1st yr of the CLA. Seen 2 of them on the road and the front end looks pretty sharp. Unfortunately the CLA will be more common than the C-Class in the near future.

[AsianStyle]

Originally Posted by DarkSunrise

I know Top Gear Magazine was disappointed with the understeer in the A45 AMG, and I believe it shares its AWD drivetrain with the CLA45.




http://www.topgear.com/uk/photos/spe...amg-2013-08-16

I guess the CLA is a bust. Here is hoping the 2-series doesn't chunk out like the 3/4-series did. Honestly the only car I can actually look forward to possibly owning in the future seems to be the Cayman.

[OrbitalEllipses]

Originally Posted by AsianStyle

I guess the CLA is a bust. Here is hoping the 2-series doesn't chunk out like the 3/4-series did. Honestly the only car I can actually look forward to possibly owning in the future seems to be the Cayman.

I saw a yellow 981 on the road the other day...

[DarkSunrise]

Originally Posted by OrbitalEllipses

I saw a yellow 981 on the road the other day...

The new Caymans look amazing in person. Someone brought a black one to my last track day and it was gorgeous. Sounded great too.

[congee]

Was very interested in a CLA until I saw one in person. Didn't look anywhere as nice as the pictures online. Looks extremely cramped too.