The 1998 Mercedes-Benz C280

The 1998 C280 is just another new Benz that can be had for under $40,000. Still, this car has even more value than you would think. For (M.S.R.P) $35,995 you get a brand new V-6 cylinder engine, a leather interior, and Mercedes marque and safety. The baby-benz is growing up to be a real charmer!

The Design The C-Class design was freshened up for the '98 model year. The car now looks sportier, with wider low profile tires, a rear end facelift, and different rocker panels that make the car look lower to the ground. However, the elegant profile of the car remains the same. The car slips through the windtunnel with a Coefficient of drag of .32. The car is clearly a Mercedes, with a stoic, solid look. The taillights are shaped in "cat-ears" and the headlights are a mix between the current S-Class and the current SL-Class. An optional Sport Package ($890) enhances the look even more. The package includes a stiffer, sport tuned suspension, wider and lower profile tires . The AMG-package looks great and performs even better

Performance The 1998 C280 got a smaller version of the new 3.2 liter V6 used in the E320. The new line of engines, which replace Mercedes' legendary Inline 6 engines, boasts much better emissions, fuel economy, and performance. This is made possible by a new 3-valve, 2 spark plug per cylinder technology that mbusa.com explains in depth. The result: 194 horses @ 5800 rpm and 195 lb-ft of torque @ a low 3000 rpm. This enables this autobahn cruiser to reach 60 mph in 7.6 seconds. This beats the C280's main rival, the Audi A6, by 1.2 seconds.

Handling The C280's suspension has a cousin. The cousin's name is CLK-GTR. The C280's suspension was the starting point of the CLK-GTR's suspension (and the CLK320 & CLK430 for that matter), which has won many races on the GT circuit. The steering is light and quick, and the optional Sport package further improves the car's handling. Enough said.

Comfort The fore mentioned suspension does not sacrifice comfort at all. It soaks up bumbs in the road with ease, and never rocks like a boat on uneven surfaces, something that some of the baby-benz's competitors do. The seats are wonderfully supportive and come equipped with leather. The radio literally rocks!

Courtesy of mbusa.com

For more info on the C280, please email me at [email protected].

For all the specs on the C280, click here

Click HERE To View A Sneak Preview of the New C-Class Coming Out In 2000.

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