aspriggsdds

I don't guess this is asked a lot. It's basically common sense that a Mercedes is going to have a smoother ride than a Porsche, but I was curious just how different they were.

So, I used a digital seismometers to record vibration data in my 2017 C300 Coupe and 2013 911 Carrera in their different driving modes (normal/comfort/sport+). I made a short video analyzing the data.

Obviously, the C300 is going to score better in this test, but I think it's pretty interesting to be able to visualize just how much smoother it was!

What do you guys think?

Also, In the description, I've listed all of the changes that the cars go through when you turn Sport+ on. Please let me know if you see anything I've left out.

https://youtu.be/uiwGv4UKtJA

Penn4S

I'm sure you would get the same results using many other sedan type vehicles not just Mercedes. The Porsche is supposed to dial in the road to the driver. I'm not sure I understand the value.

jimbo1111

Thanks for sharing. The test seems a little redundant though. Would be much better to test a vehicle in the 911s class such as the AMG gt s. From my driving experience in both cars the 911 has much better road quality.

aspriggsdds

I admit, it's a bit of an apples to oranges comparison, but I think it's interesting to see what the difference are between a "comfort" car and a "sports" car.

R_Rated

I have a BMW 5 Series with the whole M Sport package - including suspension. It's significantly sportier than the standard suspension in the bimmer. Significantly more "tuned" in the M Sport and way less comfortable.

Just took the 991.1S on a 400Mile jaunt this week. For a sports car it was fantastic and people that say it is a GT don't have experience in a real GT. As great as it was.... it was not even close to the comfort of the "sport" bimmer - which is in turn likely better than a C class but way harsher than an E class.

That is an assessment anyone could have predicted. The 991 is great for a sports car but will never have the comfort of a lux sedan; nor was it ever intended to.

weespeed

I have a C2S and a CLS63.
The 991 handles a lot better than the CLS. It feels planted.
The only thing my CLS has on my 991 is the acceleration. The CLS is a beast in that regard.
But my 991 always makes me smile after a backroad trip vs the CLS.

R_Rated

The CLS is likely more comfortable for a long trip... no?

OKB

a 911 would have to be compared with a amg gt , sl63, cls63, e63, S63 to get comparable sports car feel. Im sure all are more comfortable, maybe more hp, torque. But a 911 always will feel better in hard cornering and sports driving

weespeed

Yes it is. But I still prefer to drive the 991. So much more that I'm actually thinking of selling or trading the CLS63. Only thing stopping me is the need for some adult sized back seats.

The boost is addictive so I may trade up to a 991TT.

R_Rated

I like my series a lot for an "appliance." Mine is a '15 and I'm a used buyer but if I was buying new - the new E class is unbelievable. The E400 "amg" lowercase would be the perfect car for a 4 door sedan IMO.

yaknart33

I have a 996 cabriolet and have recently got a 2010 E550 mercedes.I went to las vegas from the los angeles area this last week, I took the mercedes this time and found very little difference in the two cars.The E550 in sport mode stiffens the ride and extends the shift points ,I didn't like it ,way to bouncy. The E550 had plenty of power but the ride in regular mode was slightly better then the 996 .The E550 didn't handle speed bumps as well as the 996 ,my outback handles it better.I'll probably take the 996 next time because its just more fun to drive .The E550 does have better stereo and way to many systems and options to read adj,or program to deal with that are nice ,I would only take it if there are more than two people going.Just my two cents .

AlexLou

PJ Cayenne

The ride quality on my disposed of '14 MB E550 cabriolet was particularly poor, and so was the handling. It had the 18" AMG wheels which were totally inappropriate for the car. My 911 doesn't clank over small potholes and seems to be much better tuned to handle normal road defects. I couldn't believe how crappy the MB rode and despite liking the V8 and a good cab set up, I am delighted to have it on my sold list. I've heard other MB products have the same issue, mostly those that have some type of AMG package on them.

reacher

The AMG GTS in particular has probably the harshest and most uncomfortable ride I've ever experienced in a car. I love stiff cars and it takes a lot for me to think something is too much, but that car was barely comfortable in normal mode, and IMHO excessively harsh in sport mode.

My 991.2 GTS with PDCC is silky smooth, and I've driven it 300-400 miles without getting tired. It's pretty much as comfortable as my X5M.

AnandN

Run flats especially in older BMWs really ruin ride quality. My z4 with runflats had a very harsh ride. My 911 with PASM in normal has a pretty compliant ride. Of course it doesn't ride like a luxury sedan.