With A/C off, I get pretty good power from the 3.8; not fast, but satisfying response to the pedal. But with the A/C switched on, it gets a little sluggish and doesn't downshift as well. I figure there is some bit of power penalty from driving the compressor, but how much is normal for a Benz?

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1985 380SE Blue/Blue - 230,000 miles
2012 Subaru Forester 5-speed
2005 Toyota Sienna
2004 Chrysler Sebring convertible
1999 Toyota Tacoma