I really really like the look of the E-Class Mercedes Benz. Spec'd out the way I want one, its running about $60 grand.
I also really like Volvo cars, have had at least 1 in the garage for each of the past 23 years of my life. Great cars, not always the best looking, but sound, capable, loaded with features and the interiors are always very nice. A loaded up Volvo S80 is pushing $48,000.
But lately I've been driving several VWs and now am shopping for a new car that I want to buy in the spring of 2012.
I do a comparison of the 2012 VW PASSAT and it comes up, fully loaded at roughly $32,000/$33,000. It is within 1" in overall length the same size as either the Volvo S80 or the E-Class Mercedes. The VW Passat has MORE INTERIOR ROOM, especially the rear seat leg room, than either the M-B or the Volvo. Trunk space, again the 3 are so close in volume that to say they are identical would not be a crime. Fuel economy, the Volvo lags behind, the M-B fits in the middle (with the diesel) and the VW's TDI is clearly the winner. Performance, well the Volvo has the #1 spot there. Volvo also offers an all wheel drive option that the MB does not (if I choose the diesel engine) nor does the VW.
Now based on looks, I have to say that I think the VW Passat is pretty bland. Vanilla, perhaps. The E-Class is edgy and good looking. The Volvo is, well, it looks like a Volvo sedan, 'nuff said.
Based on major features, all can be equipped with the same level of stuff, give or take a few minor issues/quirks/etc. Sure the Volvo has some interesting and attractive 2 tone premium leather options, the MB comes standard with VINYL seats but leather is an upgrade, and the 'SEL' package on the VW includes their leather seats. I think the Volvo's "Inscription" package has the nicest looking interior. The MB has the most refined interior, with lots of little luxury details to look at but that are not necessarily added function.
So how do you value luxury? Is it just looks?
I have a hard time justifying a car that costs TWICE the price of a so-called lower model/brand VW that provides nearly the same thing in most ways. I can justify the Volvo as it splits the difference in price but provides the feature of All-Wheel-Drive to set it apart from the other two. But the VW Passat looks like a real bargain while the MB, which was my real first choice (probably based on emotion) seems to be falling far from grace!
Anyone consider an Acura but then buy a Honda?
Or consider a Lexus but then spend their money on a Toyota?
I also really like Volvo cars, have had at least 1 in the garage for each of the past 23 years of my life. Great cars, not always the best looking, but sound, capable, loaded with features and the interiors are always very nice. A loaded up Volvo S80 is pushing $48,000.
But lately I've been driving several VWs and now am shopping for a new car that I want to buy in the spring of 2012.
I do a comparison of the 2012 VW PASSAT and it comes up, fully loaded at roughly $32,000/$33,000. It is within 1" in overall length the same size as either the Volvo S80 or the E-Class Mercedes. The VW Passat has MORE INTERIOR ROOM, especially the rear seat leg room, than either the M-B or the Volvo. Trunk space, again the 3 are so close in volume that to say they are identical would not be a crime. Fuel economy, the Volvo lags behind, the M-B fits in the middle (with the diesel) and the VW's TDI is clearly the winner. Performance, well the Volvo has the #1 spot there. Volvo also offers an all wheel drive option that the MB does not (if I choose the diesel engine) nor does the VW.
Now based on looks, I have to say that I think the VW Passat is pretty bland. Vanilla, perhaps. The E-Class is edgy and good looking. The Volvo is, well, it looks like a Volvo sedan, 'nuff said.
Based on major features, all can be equipped with the same level of stuff, give or take a few minor issues/quirks/etc. Sure the Volvo has some interesting and attractive 2 tone premium leather options, the MB comes standard with VINYL seats but leather is an upgrade, and the 'SEL' package on the VW includes their leather seats. I think the Volvo's "Inscription" package has the nicest looking interior. The MB has the most refined interior, with lots of little luxury details to look at but that are not necessarily added function.
So how do you value luxury? Is it just looks?
I have a hard time justifying a car that costs TWICE the price of a so-called lower model/brand VW that provides nearly the same thing in most ways. I can justify the Volvo as it splits the difference in price but provides the feature of All-Wheel-Drive to set it apart from the other two. But the VW Passat looks like a real bargain while the MB, which was my real first choice (probably based on emotion) seems to be falling far from grace!
Anyone consider an Acura but then buy a Honda?
Or consider a Lexus but then spend their money on a Toyota?