hp...Do you really need it for a daily driver? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

J.HIDALGO · #1 12-13-2003, 11:30 AM

Lately, I'd noticed high end late model cars/manufactures advertise their cars and products based on hp.
Honestly,when was the last time you used or needed the extra hp for an "extended" (more than 10 Seconds) period of time, except for towing? This may even apply for some "heavy foot" drivers out there.
By now, you may be asking yourself, where is this guy going with this...well, next year I may be looking for a "new" vehicle. My current vehicle has plenty of power, for my needs. I do not see the need for 8 cylinders. I may even consider a 4 cylinder vehicle. Keep in mind, this would be my daily driver.
What do you think?

suginami · #2 12-13-2003, 11:58 AM

I agree.

With variable valve timing, many 4-cylinder engines have almost as much hp as your 300E, some even more.

What's more, you are also going to get over 30mpg.

Lebenz · #3 12-13-2003, 12:14 PM

Define “need.” 99% of car driver’s don’t even “need” a car. Public transportation does the same job. So then you are talking about “want” and not “need.” With the door open to want, affordability becomes the next decision point. Peer pressure becomes the next. Or is it the other way around???

jpb5151 · #4 12-13-2003, 12:15 PM

We have the 189-hp 4-banger Benz, and I'm dead set on a V8 for our next car (in a few years, of course). Our car has plenty of pick-up at highway speeds, but there's just no low-end torque. That's extremely frustrating for me, especially for city driving. The engine shouldn't have to be revved to 3k rpm just to make the car move. Also, the good gas mileage only shows up on the highway; city mileage is about 19 for us. Please consider getting at least a 6-cylinder.

placo1 · #5 12-13-2003, 12:33 PM

I think it depends on the vehicle being discussed. If it's a smaller sedan then a 4 cylinder is usually more than adequate for commuting purposes. SUV's suffer at high speeds due to their wind resistance and 4 cylinders need to work harder to overcome this. Working hard equals loud interior.

If the option existed I would stick with whichever engine offers the best gas mileage, although the difference would have to be at leat 4mpg to make it worth getting a 4 cylinder for the additional noise it creates. Again this will definitely depend on the vehicle being discussed.

Now if you like to have fun during your commute an 8 will certainly spice things up.

J.HIDALGO · #6 12-13-2003, 01:56 PM

Lebenz,
In Jacksonville, Florida "public transportation" is non-existant. Unfortunately, it is a "need" and not a "want".
Placo1,
Noise is an item I totally forgot. Good point.
jpb5151,
I assumed you have an auto?. Stick shift may solve that problem and may create others...

I get 21-22 mpg combined. I think it is good, considering my car is almost 18 years old!

Lebenz · #7 12-13-2003, 02:33 PM

You are one of that lucky 1%! What is your compelling agenda? As a few examples: pure passion? Lower or lowest cost? Work-a-day transportation? Or?? Do you want a MB?

I’ve driven a couple of the 2.x C class MBs. In short, they are cool. One was a near new C230 Kompresser and it had all the features of other new MBs and was a hoot to drive. Plus it tore up the pavement if given a chance. Another was a couple of years ago. It was a ‘98 (I think) C230. It was remarkably like a 124 but had a spunkier in ride. I’ve also driven a recent model Hyundai. Believe it or not, it too had all the basic features and was pleasant to drive and not too slow. Plus it got around 35 MPG on the hiway. So it just depends on your agenda…

The recent year MB cars with v8s offer between a little more to a lot more in performance and sometimes finish elements than do their 6 and 4 banger siblings.

bobbyv · #8 12-13-2003, 05:01 PM

for daily driving, one needs usable power in the lower rev ranges. This means high torque in the lower rev range.

one also needs good fuel economy, since it is a daily driver.

a diesel-engined car fulfills these requirements; the new common-rail diesels represent a significant improvement over the previous generation, making them even more desirable.

Hatterasguy · #9 12-13-2003, 05:16 PM

I'm 18 I want all of the power I can get

I like the smooth torque and power V8's provide. They also sound better. Or better yet 12 cylinders how can you go wrong? I think a modified Bi-turbo V12 would be enough for me.

90free400e · #10 12-13-2003, 05:22 PM

I often see people driving 6 cylinder camrys and ask myself "Why would someone spend that much money on a slow car when you could have a much faster used/maybe even new car?" I guess it depends on what you want. I absolutely love cars, and don't want the same city driver that the guy next to me and behind me have. I want something that is unique. I also like seeing the looks on all the hondas and mustangs when my 4 door beats there 2 door "muscle"cars. I will always strive for more power, but thats just my opinion.

hocky1 · #11 12-13-2003, 05:32 PM

I don't live where you are, but find that the smaller engined Benzs do not have sufficient torgue(power) in the lower speed range like city driving and up and down hill runs like where I am living. Its a nightmare sometimes when I am trying to go fast enough to get up the next hill without having to kickdown. Sometimes the kickdown is just enough to get me up there, but there is no more acceleration on this gear even with the foot on the floor. This is a 1994 Euro C180 I drive as a weekend car. When cold, the gears change with a distinct pause/jerk whatever you call it. Daily drive is a Toyota Camry with a 2.2ltr engine which is much stronger. The Toyota is a better city car, stop and goes are very smooth. The Benz needs more stepping to get going, but after 80kph, its alright. Very economical compared with a C320 I drove , a friend's car. This car goes like the wind( 6cyl ) even with 4 people and 3 full golf bags. I also drove a E200 in another flat place and it had no power at all being a W124, very heavy for this engine size. The petrol went very quickly too.

bjcsc · #12 12-13-2003, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by stevebfl
Just got rid of my 540i and am now in an E430. One can never have too much horsepower (bg).

I agree. It's amazing what they can get from a 3.0L these days...

fahrgewehr2 · #13 12-13-2003, 06:13 PM

It's more fun for me to make a small engine car go fast than to make a big v8 go fast. A four speed 240d is a blast to drive. I like my 400E but I have more fun driving my SE. But making those little diesels WORK is just so much fun...I think its time for another. Maybe if I lived in an area where I could travel in teh triple digits i would feel differently?

Am I the only one who thinks this way?

stevebfl · #14 12-13-2003, 06:42 PM

Just got rid of my 540i and am now in an E430. One can never have too much horsepower (bg).

If it doesn't matter to you don't buy it. It cost more in the beginning and is not easily resold.

tecqboy · #15 12-13-2003, 07:52 PM

In the USA, gas is cheap. Too cheap actually. People aren't inclined to conserve and don't hesitate to drive far more car than they need, HP wise anyhow. Modern six and some four cylinder cars are much faster than the muscle cars we drove in the 70's, (not to mention 2 to 3 times the gas mileage). They are safer, and built better than ever before. So why. do so many people choose to drive a 6000 lb, 350 HP. 4 wheel drive, 12 mpg SUV to commute to work? Judging by sales numbers for these vehicles, people have thrown conscience and good sense to the wind, not to mention excessive amounts of money. When it comes to cars, people don't think rationally. There's an entire physcology at work here. I have seen the future and I remember the past. Sooner or later, gas will become scarce and the cost will go way up. Then everyone will be lining up to buy 3 cylinder PRISM's. In the mean time, think of a car in terms of reliable transportation, not a substitute for ego, status, or symbol of sexual prowess; then purchase accordingly.