arentz07

I don't know... it's confusing. My wife is pretty familiar with BMW models, but even she had to ask if the only difference between a 330i M-Sport and an M340i was the engine. To an extent, yes? But also no. It'd be the same thing as saying the only difference between the IS 500 and 350 is the engine. Which, to an extent is true.

Then you have the M3. It is considered a different model and looks different from the rest of the 3er lineup. I mean, I'd say the lack of understanding is not for lack of effort on BMW's part. But then again, they're the ones who muddied the water by introducing the "M***" models that aren't real M's. Alas.

TangoRed

The last generation C43 used a V6 found elsewhere in the Mercedes lineup, but not in the C-class at all. The short lived C400 and C450 AMG Sport used the same engine, but none of them coexisted in the C-class lineup.

The current C43 is using a true AMG engine, but it's an I4 from the CLA45.

arentz07

It is a bit of a shame that only four-cylinder engines are available in those cars now, even if they are beastly by four-popper standards.

Meanwhile my IS 500 has an "F" engine and is not a real "F". :P Just saying. Yeah, I know it's slower 0-60 compared to the Merc, but hey.

Stroock639

well not just a 'regular' C-class but the mid tier model, it's called the M276 and it was the engine used in basically any mercedes from 2015-2020 that carried a '400' or '450' after the model designation

the same engine was used in the C450 from 2014 to 2016, which mercedes renamed the C43 in 2017, after making a grand total of zero changes to the engine lol

TangoRed

Agreed. And with the C63 not living up to its promises it's just not a winning proposition from my end.

Toys4RJill

Yes. I see that now. The C400 and the C 43 shared the same exact engine. But so did the 2014-2018 C400/C43 I wonder if the C43 model had a handcrafted AMG M276 and the others did not

Stroock639

no of course not lol... that's a big part of what started all of this

the only difference afaik in any of the models was the E43 did actually use ever so slightly bigger turbos, but otherwise the same engine from the same production line

AJT123

It's how you get there not necessarily that fast The 4-cylinder SL43 is a disgrace.

TangoRed

The C43 had different turbos as well starting with the 2019 refresh models.

BayeauxLex

I learned something today. Have a couple buddies who track their M2 competition. They are pretty good out of the box. Then B58 in the M340 is a solid platform especially when you throw mods at it.

Toys4RJill

‘kudos to Toyota for putting a V8 back into the IS. I think your car is more special because it’s not an F Lexus.

what they should do next, is make that V-8 with a manual transmission. That would make it legendary

SW17LS

Been driving it for a few days. Highs are it rides nice, it’s quiet, it has good passenger room, the big V8 feels and sounds great. Seats aren’t especially comfortable and its age in design definitely shows. The mirrors also are real tall and not wide, they need to be wider and less tall.

I also find it wanders and ponders a lot and doesn’t have good on center feel

I’ll drive a Cayenne…

jrmckinley

I think you are talking about the QX80..? If so, I totally agree on the mirrors and lack of center feel. The lack of center feel is very obvious coming from a long line of LS's and quite a long time in an LX. All of those cars just felt like they were laser dialed in.

I will say I've put 1k miles on mine in just the last 7 days and it is really comfortable on the highway; substantially moreso than the LX we owned. However I've done a lot of driving in my life and the QX80 is the first vehicle that feels like it's lulling me to sleep on a long trip (3+ hours without a stop). I can't figure out why.

SW17LS

Oh yeah it rides great on the highway, but the lack of on center feel keeps highway driving from feeling relaxing at all, you don’t have the same feeling in yours?

I feel like if I let my guard down for an instant I’m drifting out of my lane. Compared to the Suburban I had down here last year that had much better on center feel and drivability.

AJT123

mirrors do look awkward in those even as a passer by.