Posting this in the Pontiac and Mercedes reddit to hear from both sides.They’re both around the same price point, I’d like honest opinions on reliability, cost to repair, etc.
The Mercedes has more badge appeal, and more power, but the Grand Prix is more “exclusive”. Just want to see before I make a purchase, open to alternatives for both cars as well.
I might be biased because I’m not exactly a fan of the way W203s look, but I’d say go for the Pontiac, it’s definitely more unique, and it looks a lot better imo
C32
The Mercedes is in a totally different class. The Pontiac is a large format front wheel drive economy car with a super charger. The Mercedes is a serious compact executive car, made in Germany, with a longitudinally mounted engine, in a rwd based platform.
And this is coming from someone who has owned both a c class, and a grand prix. But also a 3 series, and now a G37 convertible.
That Pontiac is white goods.
C32 is the better car by far. Idk about that Pontiac motor at high mileage, but the m112 is rock solid. Maintenance might be similar based on the mb being higher qual/ better build overall. Plus its an Amg for under 6k, ez choice i say.
I have seen several of those GTP’s catch fire
lmfao
I know this is the mercedes sub but the GP is going to be way more reliable and cheaper to fix.
I had a regal gs and it was so much fun!
That being said, neither of them are particularly fast now when most cars these days come with 300hp…
Man, that brings me back… had an 01 GTP.
I’ve driven a C32 and owned an 01 GTP. I can tell you this: the C32 is definitely the better car to drive. And by a very, very long shot. The GTP, however, will be far easier to extract power from, be more reliable, parts will be WAY cheaper and easier to find, and it will most likely be far easier to work on. I can’t say that with certainty, as I’ve never worked on a C32, but the GTP is where i really started to learn how to work on stuff and mod cars (and even tune them). Haven’t modded a car since though lol
Thats why I’m torn. C32 is a nicer car but the maintenance, repairs, etc gonna kill me. Premium gas too.
The GTP also requires premium, thanks to forced induction. Otherwise it knocks.