Acceleration

C230 Kompressor	C280	Class Average
6	6	5.3

Our Kompressor test car ran 0-60 mph in 7.5 seconds, slightly faster than the V6 C280. But the V6 is more refined and doesn't suffer the supercharged engine's momentary delay in power delivery. The C43 is just plain fast.

Fuel Economy

C230 Kompressor	C280	Class Average
6	5	5.7

Our test C280 averaged 21.9 mpg in hard driving, a C230 22.8 mpg in mostly highway work. We haven't measured a C43's fuel economy.

Ride Quality

C230 Kompressor	C280	Class Average
6	6	5.3

Firm, substantial-feeling, and comfortable except on really bad pavement, where the C-Class becomes choppy compared to larger Mercedes sedans.

Steering/Handling/Braking

C230 Kompressor	C280	Class Average
6	6	6.4

Responsive and stable, though not quite as agile as comparable 3-Series BMWs. Kudos for the standard antiskid system, but the C-Class's traction control works partly by reducing engine power, which can cause anxious moments crossing a slippery intersection.

Quietness

C230 Kompressor	C280	Class Average
6	6	5

There's more road noise than we think is warranted at these prices, but wind rush is muted. The C280 has the least overall engine noise of this trio.

Controls

C230 Kompressor	C280	Class Average
4	4	6

Mainly user-friendly, though the left column stalk controls too many functions, and we'd prefer power-window switches on the door, not the center console.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

C230 Kompressor	C280	Class Average
4	4	5.4

Far from spacious, but adequate for most folks up to 6-feet tall. Seats are firm but comfortable; the days of rock-hard Mercedes seats are long gone.

Room/Comfort (rear)

C230 Kompressor	C280	Class Average
3	2	3.3

Leg room is skimpy and entry/exit tight for adults. As in front, head room for 6-footers is adequate at best, and three grownups don't fit without squeezing.

Cargo Room

C230 Kompressor	C280	Class Average
3	3	3.6

Not great, but okay for a compact sedan, and most all of it is usable.

Value within Class

C230 Kompressor	C280	Class Average
3	3	3.3

Performance and engineering earn the C-Class sedans our respect, but a bit too much noise, smallish interiors, and stiff prices keep them from earning our recommendation. Still, these are Mercedes, with all that implies for prestige and resale value. The Special Edition packages are fine value and send this generation out in style, but we look forward to the new-design C-Class.

Total Score

C230 Kompressor	C280	Class Average
47	45	49.3

Scores for all Premium Compact Cars

Low Score		43
Average Score		49
High Score		60