Diesel wars. Mercedes C 220 d versus C 250 d, power versus economy

Diesel wars! Different power, same displacement: Which engine is the better choice? Auto motor und sport compares the Mercedes C 220 d against its more powerful brother, the C 250 d.

Looking for a mid-size premium sedan? Diesel? The expectation rockets. Finally, 200 and more horsepower indicate an accompagnying abundant torque. Indeed, the Mercedes C 250 d delivers: 500 Nm. 100 Nm less is what the weaker version of the 2.1-liter four-cylinder offers, coupled with a deficit of 34 HP. Also low: the price, namely by as much as 2,945 euros. No longer playing in the league over 40,000 Euro may be the decisive role. But these almost three thousand euros are better invested in additional equipment; the option list is more than enough.

To give prospective customers a positive recommendation, Auto motor und sport tested both cars on the same routes, highway and national roads, in parallel.

First the Autobahn test, with the 250 d in front, followed closely by the 220 d. The weaker motorized C-class keeps its chin up, inching behind its more powerful counterpart with similar verve, even in the higher regions of pace. Thereby in no way does it feel like the lesser version here. Mercedes C 220 d is subjectively hardly at a disadvantage.

Now, the performance in the data box speak an entirely different language. Looking at the sprint from zero to 100 km / h, the 220 is eight-tenths of seconds slower than the 250 d while also losing 14 km/h in terms of maximum speed. But the numbers reflect here not the actual driving impression from the street. On the road, the conclusion is similar to the the highway result.

When accelerating out of tight curves the 204-horsepower Mercedes comes out on top, but not by a high margin. Again, the weaker C-Class is equally light on its foot and shows no strain. If one did not study the exact performance differences, the test would probably be a tie already.

The same can be said about the consumption. Recommendation: The real differences in this field are round in the 0,000% area and are unlikely to be decisive in the final buying decision. The same applies to the maintenance costs, which precipitate only minimally different. Assuming a mileage of 20,000 a year, the C 250 d would demand just 13 euros more per month (including depreciation).

So ultimately, who decides to put price above all, should stick with the C 220 d and never look back. Save the extra charge Mercedes bills for the stronger 2.1-liter – the version with 170 hp and 400 Nm is enough. Don’t fall under the spell of high power and torque specifications, but devour instead the ample option list. Auto motor und sport’s recommendation in this comparison: a better equipped C 220 d.

Source: Auto motor und sport