How is it? I am thinking about buying one in a couple of months when my lease expires. I am going to go test drive one soon but how would you say it compares to the Lexus IS 200T? I am looking for one that drives like it and I like the fact that the Acura has a slightly faster 0-60 time with a lot more features but how does it do as a daily driver?
Let's be honest Acura- Reliable,fantastic resale values ,parts not expensive as mercedes. Mercedes- Horrible resale value (depreciates as shit),unreliable,too much complicated parts (expensive to repair),parts are a ton of money.
@@jayx64 yea I came back and now looking at this video 😂😂 and it’s quite funny cause it’s the total opposite now and CLA are holding their values better than ilx
Would love to change from my RSX to the ILX. I get why people would sat it's just a civic since it is based on a civic, but the civic doesn't have an 8 speed dual clutch, noise active noise cancelling, premium sound system, dual LCDs, lane departure, active cruise, coalition mitigation(too much to list). I also know the reliability will be there too since I have my RSX for over 10 years(original clutch) and it hasn't left me on the side of the road.
The MPG numbers are so stupid to share. The Benz has AWD and the ILX has FWD. How about showing the MPG from the front-wheel drive version for those who want a direct comparison?
You didn't include the price as tested... completely throws out the comparison. That CLA Edition 1 was likely close to $50,000, as you said at the end hard to justify but why not just tell us the real numbers?
I will never understand one thing in such videos of comparision and that is where the price points are so different. why not then try to make it a little more fair and compare similarely priced versions of the cars? he says in the video that a top spec ilx costs about the same as a base cla then why wasn't the comparision made between a top spec ilx and a base cla? why spec the cla out so it costs 10k more and then give it credit for stuff that costs alot of money and puts it in a price class where you can get a full spec 3.5l SH-AWD TLX from Acura?
I think the focus is more on the similarity of engine output and market segment. The price is really the last consideration, although it does factor in.
Well, Autoguide shouldn't compare 4Matic with FWD ILX. My CLA250 FWD has average MPG 29.7. Anyway, I love both cars btw. I actually was gonna trade CLA for ILX but I just couldn't get over few missing amenities and the whole dressed-up Civic thing.
Kamaka Chang Totally agree, you can get a fully loaded Mazda 3 that looks better than both of these cars put together and still get all the electronics that these have when topped out. GTI in SE trim would probably be my be though. Fun to drive, versatile, and a nice interior.
jamesgjt 1. Your English sucks and it is almost impossible to understand you. 2. Ford Focus ST competes with the Speed3, with 240 hp and 270 torque. Ford Focus RS puts out 325 hp.
Wu Wei Xu sorry, i m not talkin the focus st or the rs. we are talking a loaded focus (ie Focus titanium or the titaniumX) which compete with mazda3 2.0 or the 2.5. Focus RS's price will put way beyond of the CLA or the ILX above. The ST is consider a sport hatch and which is completely a different type of car.
Jake Zhao Suzuki, Kia, Honda, Citroen, Peugeot you name it. Acura is a joke if you considered that a "luxury" or "semi-luxury" brand. Mercedes shit all over any other brands than bmw and audi, and still those cant compete..
cartman2dk you name it for me with particular model and the trim that contains 400 watts surrounding system, no MPV please. Do not pretend that you know something which you don't. Merc is good Acura makes more sense with that amount of money. You probably just knew the badge cost more. Get more badges on eBay, that makes you look pro.
for those people who dont know whats the number pad for in Mercedes. MB's priority is safety and for that reason they have a number pad in there so the driver wont need to pull out his or her cell out while driving to dial and get distracted and get a nice ticket and may get towed away. I found this feature very useful and I dont want my MB be with out it. specially as a businessman who makes lots of phone calls
Cla shouldn't exist. 45 grand for an entry level car fully decked out is insane. Mercedes is for the rich. Acura is for the middle class with a little bit of money to burn. The majority of us could buy the ILX but the mercedes come on.
+JJ Mino No, what he trying to do is to compare to car about the same size. Also the Mercedes can easily go up to 50k because you can add the AMG engine.
jj Mino I test drove a 2017 ILX and it was literally better than the Mercedes CLA 250 that I tested. I tested the Lexus IS 200t and it literally drove the same as the Acura except the Lexus was slower by almost a full second in 0-60 time comparison. Some of the features that they gave to mercedes over Acura are actually in the Acura I just don't think they knew how to use them. Go watch a full in depth review of the ILX and you will see what I'm talking about. Really the Acura was extremely down played in this video. Obviously biased in favor of Mercedes. Honestly if I hadn't searched around a shitload I never even would have considered it. I was initially looking into a Hyundai Genesis coupe and then I test drove it and was not impressed with the interior and the gas mileage was horrible.
Acura just needs to bring back their luxury sport cars... they're not compatible with only luxury like BMW, M-Benz, Lexus, etc... they need to look back at their integra...
You are very stupid to buy a CLA... that is because you are highly unlikely to buy one at base price. THe options you WANT are going to get the car up to around 50 grand (tax included). Oh by the way, dealers put those options on, so yeah.... What I am saying is, if you want to buy a Mercedes, you either buy the AMGs or E-series and higher. Not that the CLA and C classes are trash, its because you can get MUCH better cars with their prices.
Excellent review, I have A-spec trim, it does not share anything with civic and its completely a different car than the older ILX model, the driving apects is amazing, especially the 8 speed dual clutch, the engine noise is awesome
Ummm...the engine is straight out of the Civic Si. The wheelbase and interior volume is identical to a Civic sedan's. Even the audio system is shared with the Si. The only major mechanical differences are a softer suspension and an automatic transmission. As nice as the ILX is it's still a Civic underneath.
Shane, it would not be blasphemous to do research before you insist on what is untrue. The engine in the Acura ILX is the same engine that can be found in the Acura TLX. Apart from the platform, the ILX and Civic vehicles have almost nothing in common. Have you even driven both vehicles before asserting such stupidity? Probably not. I test drove the A-Spec Acura 2 days ago and it drove far, far better than my families Civic EX. The Acura ILX is seemingly perfect at the moment for its segmentand I am expecting it to defeat it's competition fairly easily. Good job, Acura! 👍🏻
Alex and Mohammed perhaps you should do a bit more research. The ILX, TLX, and Civic Si all share the same basic 2.4L VTEC 4cyl. Each is a slightly modified version of the same engine. You're absolutely right that a Civic EX is no comparison. An Si is engineered very differently. The point of my post was that Acura needs to try harder to be on the same level as the Mercedes.
Leasing can sometimes be a smarter decision when it comes to high end European luxury cars. The depreciation is killer on most Mercedes-AMG models and the maintenance costs are astronomical after the warranty expires.
Do you guys think its stupid for just graduated college student to continue financing an almost fully loaded CLA250 or switch and buy an ILX A-Spec? For financial/long-term reasons.
What happened to the days when Acura would tend towards a rougher ride and better handling vs. a comfy ride and disappointing handling? It's too bad. If we go back ten years ago Acura had highly praised entry level vehicles (RSX and TSX), but now they lack anything engaging in their lineup.
i wonder if swapping a 2.4L plus DCT transmission would fit in a 1997-2001 Honda Prelude ??? , this would solve the problematic Prelude tip tronic transmission without having to do a manual swap
Slickpete83 It will fit. In your dreams. The Acura transmission is probably configured way different than a Prelude. Honda and Acura parts don't easily swap between each other like they used to in the 90s and early 2000s.
Slickpete83 "Tiptronic" is a Porsche designed transmission I know you meant DCT, just thought I'd let you know Tiptronic is a trademarked Porsche design
After driving the CLA 250 for a while as a loaner, you have to be MAD to buy one new considering how much Mercedes is asking. Add the premium package for things like Navigation, HID headlights, parking sensors, power adjusted seating...things you normally take for GRANTED in a Mercedes, cost balloons up to ~$45k CDN. At that price point, you can leap-frog the dull & old ILX right into a new TLX 2.4L with the tech package, significantly better loaded, larger, more comfortable and with rear wheel steer, more nimble than even the CLA.
The Benz just screams "I am an asshole"! Not selling the TSX was a big mistake by Acura. The Benz may last 4 years...maybe 5. The Acura will last 15 years.
A loaded all wheel drive TLX for around 45k would have compared well to a similarly equipped CLA for around the same price, but instead they compared an Acura that is essentiality a slightly more luxurious Honda Civic (and on a Civic platform) to a MB; what a joke! Only AutoGuide.com
You are right that the CLA is a cash grab for Mercedes. An attempt for them to appeal and sell to millennials with middle management incomes. However, just because it's the least expensive Merc, doesn't mean it should be compared to a car that shares parts and a platform with a Civic (the ILX). The CLA is on a MB platform. The average CLA leaves the dealership at around 40k (not even factoring in the 45AMG), so...not a lot of college kids buying. Furthermore, if you look at the demographics of CLA owners, median income is $80,000 a year. The average ticket price for an ILX is very low 30's and median income is $47,000 a year. Just because I criticized the ILX and CLA comparison, doesn't mean I think the CLA is a CL65. Are you now the dumbass?
a dog fight? how about a slaughter? The CLA is simply a better car. Yes options elevate this car to crazy heights for a FWD entry level car but the quality, performance, and options provided by Mercedes can't be beat by Acura. However if you understand this and don't need the higher appointments or extra performance the 2016 ILX (which I own) is a great car in its own right but just shouldn't be compared to a CLA. The 8 speed DCT is buttery smooth and loves to rev. While the ILX doesn't have amazing torque it's 0-60 times are still 6.25 seconds. it's important to note that the ILX tops off at $35k making it anight extreme value pick. Plus right now ILX are going thousands of dollars bellow invoice. So now again compare a CLA against an ILX Tech with A-Spec but now imagine the A-Spec cost sub $30k while the CLA is $40k. Is that extra $10k worth it? IMO no but you be the judge
I'm not convinced the quality of the CLA is superior to the ILX. It is fairly certain once most MB products start tacking on the miles, it spends more and more time in a service bay. The ILX like any Acura/Honda product will hit 200,000 miles with little effort.
I admitted the CLA is more stylish in a popular way, though not in my eye. But the build quality is not like what you think of a MB. I own a 16 ILX top of the line and I testdrived CLA and made my decision to Acura. Even if the performance is better, the value is not (3.5k difference). Practically, A3 is overall a better car in this segment, 2 series drives better, CLA only looks better than those German competitors, and I will still have my ILX since it might be the last NA VTEC engine of the era.
The Mercedes will always cost more to maintain since parts for them are harder to find and more complex to repair so chances are you'll end up having to go to the dealer to service them more.
pretty hard to compare a premium car like Mercedes to Acura. Acura is not a bad car but their cars have been going downhill since the 9os in terms of sportiness and premium brand recognition
that cla reminds me of the chrysler 200 and that is not a good thing I think they need to quit trying to make econo benzs that interior dash vents look like a kids scion , I like the old simple mercedes , woodgrain cream leather , not the pleather not fwd ,
The SH-AWD has so many parts on the drivetrain that can go wrong. Since they designed it on transverse mounted engines. Basically they designed the AWD around a FWD plat form. I would prefer longitudinal mounted engine if they were going to make it AWD, like Subaru's.
+Imma Turkey And point of is is what? To put CLA into even bigger shame? ILX starts and $27k CLA starts at almost $30k besides they are in same compact sedan category.
Jake Zhao Actually mercedes is top of the range. Go to a proper mechanic shop and tear down a new mercedes, most quality parts only. They never break down
Ilija Petrovic I know Honda never break down. And we all know how expensive to keep a Merc running. They are good choice for wealthy dude, elegant and sophisticated. But I prefer Honda's way, passion and simplicity :p
Jake Zhao Yeah hondas are very reliable and you are right Merc is expensive to maintain. But its the only luxury choice if you want true luxury and performance - much better than audi and bmw
I guess we are going to have to agree to disagree here but I believe that BMW still builds the superior driver's car when compared with Merc. Don't get me wrong, They are both extremely good brands but I still believe that BMW builds their cars better with regards to driver experience on the road. Mercedes wins in creature comforts, but BMW wins with driving dynamics. The difference isn't that big though. Throw whatever numbers you want, but they won't say anything about feel.
It might be called the poor mans benz but that car looks sexy AF. When you flash a benz key you have to be prepared to keep the gold diggers and bitches at bay
Come on Acura, put the new 2.0 turbo with a sh awd in the new 2019 ilx body and please update the infotainment system. You will have a winner over the germans
I drove my friends amg and it wasn't great. It honestly wasn't comfortable in any way shape or form, didn't ride good, there was a good amount of turbo lag and it didn't feel as fast, it is fast, just doesn't feel fast which leaves you wanting more
hmmm Well my new CLA 45 AMG comes in October and has 21 more BHP and 25 more NM of torque. That should be fast enough ... they have also changed the gearing too so 0 to 100kph drops to 4.2 secs .... now that is fast in anyone's book!
3Vimages it is still not going to feel fast. I have a 2014 SL550, and that car feels fast and it is only .5 second faster 0-60 from the 45. But the feeling, the way the car kicks you is what so cool. Like i said the CLA is fast, but doesn't feel fast. But as long as you like your car it is all good lol.
hmmm The SL550 isn't half a second quicker 0-60 than the 45 ... book says it is 4.1 which is all but the same as the 45. The CLA 45 I road tested for 3 hours felt well fast to me ... especially using the launch control with its all wheel drive. But, as you say, as long as you`re happy with your car than all is good!
3Vimages Book actually says 4.3-4.5 in the CLA, depending on the tires temp, etc. SL550 does 3.9-4.0 I actually used a GPS timer and got in about 4.05 or so seconds. 550 ft/lb gets you out real quick. Plus it is not just 0-60 times, the SL in general will pull at any point much harder. I raced with a friend who has a 2015 Mustang GT. From 45 to about 90 mph, and the results were really shocking. I always loved HP before I got the car, but now it is all about the torque for me lol. Good luck with your car man. :)
I never really go by engine power. I go by 0-60 time. Since engine power, car weight and transmissions play a bigger part on performance that HP alone. Mid to high 6 seconds is pretty good for a car this range and practicality.
9 лет назад
yeeahh so much fun, but will only last less than 2 years, it will breakdown and you sell it, then the guy that buys it has to spend a fortune every year in repairs,until he sells it too, then to the other guy how buys it, and so on... (the ILX will last 20years trouble free)
Both are ugly, hideous trash, but I'd take the Acura. At least it's going to be reliable trash, not to mention better looking (The wheels are the worst part)
kirbyswarp In the CLA, you're paying for the badge, and little else. Badge snobbery. Change the wheels on the Acura and it's looking good for that much lower price.
kirbyswarp Agreed about the wheels. They're probably the ugliest factory wheels I've ever seen. The TLX wheels are much better. I don't know why Acura (and Honda for that matter as well) has switched from fairly conservative wheel designs to blingy ugly designs.
Agreed. I wish they would bring back the mid 2000s TL Type S wheels (dark gray honeycomb style). Those were in my opinion some of the most attractive factory wheels.
![Chino Pacas - Modo Capone (with Drake & Fuerza Regida) [Video Oficial]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/zjv8TQ0gBkg/mqdefault.jpg)
Ended up going with a 2016 ILX A-Spec for a daily, way more bang for your buck.
How is it? I am thinking about buying one in a couple of months when my lease expires. I am going to go test drive one soon but how would you say it compares to the Lexus IS 200T? I am looking for one that drives like it and I like the fact that the Acura has a slightly faster 0-60 time with a lot more features but how does it do as a daily driver?
As long as your not constantly driving passengers around its pretty comfortable. The back seats are not too roomy.
Acura needs new designers! They need to bring back their heritage names like integra and legend. And please SHOW THE DAMN EXHAUST TIPS
DoubleD 613 hell ya
Ilx is the Integra lol 😆
You can’t afford a Acura, so shut up. Acura is for me a higher educated person with more income who wants luxury not some stupid hard ride benz
🙌💯✌️
Let's be honest
Acura-
Reliable,fantastic resale values ,parts not expensive as mercedes.
Mercedes-
Horrible resale value (depreciates as shit),unreliable,too much complicated parts (expensive to repair),parts are a ton of money.
+SuperKING102
But it ugly. Would never be caught dead in one of these. Yuck.
Yasiin2k14 and now you can get a Ilx for 15k with 30k miles on it while that same Mercedes is still 25.... Well there goes the resale value
@@jayx64 yea I came back and now looking at this video 😂😂 and it’s quite funny cause it’s the total opposite now and CLA are holding their values better than ilx
Would love to change from my RSX to the ILX. I get why people would sat it's just a civic since it is based on a civic, but the civic doesn't have an 8 speed dual clutch, noise active noise cancelling, premium sound system, dual LCDs, lane departure, active cruise, coalition mitigation(too much to list). I also know the reliability will be there too since I have my RSX for over 10 years(original clutch) and it hasn't left me on the side of the road.
I'm surprised nobody realized that the ILX engine should be cleaned before putting it in the video.
Bureaucracy
Thank you guys. Acura all the way. Fuck Benz. Too expensive
Never gonna buy a German car.
The MPG numbers are so stupid to share. The Benz has AWD and the ILX has FWD. How about showing the MPG from the front-wheel drive version for those who want a direct comparison?
I hate how Acura isn't showing the exhaust to look more environmentally friendly. ugh I think a dual exhaust would look sweet on the ilx
Looks like they took those ILX wheels straight off a Civic.
That's because they did..
$45,000 to beat a $35,000 Acura in performance and features? Pathetic!
You didn't include the price as tested... completely throws out the comparison. That CLA Edition 1 was likely close to $50,000, as you said at the end hard to justify but why not just tell us the real numbers?
I will never understand one thing in such videos of comparision and that is where the price points are so different. why not then try to make it a little more fair and compare similarely priced versions of the cars? he says in the video that a top spec ilx costs about the same as a base cla then why wasn't the comparision made between a top spec ilx and a base cla? why spec the cla out so it costs 10k more and then give it credit for stuff that costs alot of money and puts it in a price class where you can get a full spec 3.5l SH-AWD TLX from Acura?
I think the focus is more on the similarity of engine output and market segment. The price is really the last consideration, although it does factor in.
Well, Autoguide shouldn't compare 4Matic with FWD ILX. My CLA250 FWD has average MPG 29.7. Anyway, I love both cars btw. I actually was gonna trade CLA for ILX but I just couldn't get over few missing amenities and the whole dressed-up Civic thing.
I don't see either of these as worth the extra money over loaded Foci, Golfs and Mazda3s.
Kamaka Chang Totally agree, you can get a fully loaded Mazda 3 that looks better than both of these cars put together and still get all the electronics that these have when topped out. GTI in SE trim would probably be my be though. Fun to drive, versatile, and a nice interior.
Kamaka Chang oh yeah ~200 hp fwd never match of golf, mazda3 2.5 both with 180+hp (cant feel a different with
jamesgjt 1. Your English sucks and it is almost impossible to understand you. 2. Ford Focus ST competes with the Speed3, with 240 hp and 270 torque. Ford Focus RS puts out 325 hp.
Wu Wei Xu sorry, i m not talkin the focus st or the rs. we are talking a loaded focus (ie Focus titanium or the titaniumX) which compete with mazda3 2.0 or the 2.5. Focus RS's price will put way beyond of the CLA or the ILX above. The ST is consider a sport hatch and which is completely a different type of car.
jamesgjt How would the Focus be a different type of car compared to the Mazda 3, they're both offered in a hatchback version.
I no longer consider acura as a luxury brand. They are simply an upmarket brand that is slightly premium.
DoubleD 613 What kind of slightly premium brand offers over 400 watts 10 speaker surround stereo system in compact cars？
Jake Zhao Suzuki, Kia, Honda, Citroen, Peugeot you name it. Acura is a joke if you considered that a "luxury" or "semi-luxury" brand. Mercedes shit all over any other brands than bmw and audi, and still those cant compete..
cartman2dk you name it for me with particular model and the trim that contains 400 watts surrounding system, no MPV please. Do not pretend that you know something which you don't. Merc is good Acura makes more sense with that amount of money. You probably just knew the badge cost more. Get more badges on eBay, that makes you look pro.
I still get compliments on the looks of my 2002 RSX.
for those people who dont know whats the number pad for in Mercedes. MB's priority is safety and for that reason they have a number pad in there so the driver wont need to pull out his or her cell out while driving to dial and get distracted and get a nice ticket and may get towed away. I found this feature very useful and I dont want my MB be with out it. specially as a businessman who makes lots of phone calls
Cla shouldn't exist. 45 grand for an entry level car fully decked out is insane. Mercedes is for the rich. Acura is for the middle class with a little bit of money to burn. The majority of us could buy the ILX but the mercedes come on.
Buy a brand new CLA and lose 10 grand as you drive off the dealership.
Mercs depreciate too much, that's because of their super high maintenance cost
This video was set up to favor mercedes. If you want a fair comparison compare it to the TLX which starts at $31k...
+JJ Mino No, what he trying to do is to compare to car about the same size. Also the Mercedes can easily go up to 50k because you can add the AMG engine.
jj Mino I test drove a 2017 ILX and it was literally better than the Mercedes CLA 250 that I tested. I tested the Lexus IS 200t and it literally drove the same as the Acura except the Lexus was slower by almost a full second in 0-60 time comparison. Some of the features that they gave to mercedes over Acura are actually in the Acura I just don't think they knew how to use them. Go watch a full in depth review of the ILX and you will see what I'm talking about. Really the Acura was extremely down played in this video. Obviously biased in favor of Mercedes. Honestly if I hadn't searched around a shitload I never even would have considered it. I was initially looking into a Hyundai Genesis coupe and then I test drove it and was not impressed with the interior and the gas mileage was horrible.
Been driving a 2016 ilx tech aspec for a while n love it!!!
Acura just needs to bring back their luxury sport cars... they're not compatible with only luxury like BMW, M-Benz, Lexus, etc... they need to look back at their integra...
moshebenshaul interga is a tuner not a luxury sport car
You are very stupid to buy a CLA... that is because you are highly unlikely to buy one at base price. THe options you WANT are going to get the car up to around 50 grand (tax included). Oh by the way, dealers put those options on, so yeah....
What I am saying is, if you want to buy a Mercedes, you either buy the AMGs or E-series and higher.
Not that the CLA and C classes are trash, its because you can get MUCH better cars with their prices.
better in terms of performance or better in terms of luxury, comfort, prestige?
+elitestar yeah a Lexus or infiniti
Excellent review, I have A-spec trim, it does not share anything with civic and its completely a different car than the older ILX model, the driving apects is amazing, especially the 8 speed dual clutch, the engine noise is awesome
And ur so right if I needed all this safety and technology features in the CLA 250, more than $10k
Ummm...the engine is straight out of the Civic Si. The wheelbase and interior volume is identical to a Civic sedan's. Even the audio system is shared with the Si. The only major mechanical differences are a softer suspension and an automatic transmission. As nice as the ILX is it's still a Civic underneath.
Shane, it would not be blasphemous to do research before you insist on what is untrue. The engine in the Acura ILX is the same engine that can be found in the Acura TLX. Apart from the platform, the ILX and Civic vehicles have almost nothing in common. Have you even driven both vehicles before asserting such stupidity? Probably not. I test drove the A-Spec Acura 2 days ago and it drove far, far better than my families Civic EX. The Acura ILX is seemingly perfect at the moment for its segmentand I am expecting it to defeat it's competition fairly easily.
Good job, Acura! 👍🏻
+Shane Shelton nigga do some research before putting your butt in this comment
Alex and Mohammed perhaps you should do a bit more research. The ILX, TLX, and Civic Si all share the same basic 2.4L VTEC 4cyl. Each is a slightly modified version of the same engine. You're absolutely right that a Civic EX is no comparison. An Si is engineered very differently. The point of my post was that Acura needs to try harder to be on the same level as the Mercedes.
So the verdict is that both of these cars for people who can't really afford a luxury car.
Bingo. Now that we've sorted that out, I'm going to the Acura dealer to buy an 2016 ILX A-Spec Premium with 7k miles for under 27k. Value = Win
Can anybody actually "afford" a luxury car? It's always a dumb purchase, it just gets progressively less dumb the richer you are.
Leasing can sometimes be a smarter decision when it comes to high end European luxury cars. The depreciation is killer on most Mercedes-AMG models and the maintenance costs are astronomical after the warranty expires.
They really need to make decisions about handling after serious track test. Even with the sport package on CLA, I think ILX is more capable on track.
In other words for my money I will take Acura at any day!
This video made me want to see a speech therapist.
Do you guys think its stupid for just graduated college student to continue financing an almost fully loaded CLA250 or switch and buy an ILX A-Spec? For financial/long-term reasons.
Was this filmed in the Valley in Toronto?
What happened to the days when Acura would tend towards a rougher ride and better handling vs. a comfy ride and disappointing handling? It's too bad. If we go back ten years ago Acura had highly praised entry level vehicles (RSX and TSX), but now they lack anything engaging in their lineup.
i wonder if swapping a 2.4L plus DCT transmission would fit in a 1997-2001 Honda Prelude ??? , this would solve the problematic Prelude tip tronic transmission without having to do a manual swap
Slickpete83 It will fit. In your dreams. The Acura transmission is probably configured way different than a Prelude. Honda and Acura parts don't easily swap between each other like they used to in the 90s and early 2000s.
Slickpete83 "Tiptronic" is a Porsche designed transmission
I know you meant DCT, just thought I'd let you know Tiptronic is a trademarked Porsche design
Dee Jay yeah i meant sport-tronic shift on the honda
After driving the CLA 250 for a while as a loaner, you have to be MAD to buy one new considering how much Mercedes is asking. Add the premium package for things like Navigation, HID headlights, parking sensors, power adjusted seating...things you normally take for GRANTED in a Mercedes, cost balloons up to ~$45k CDN.
At that price point, you can leap-frog the dull & old ILX right into a new TLX 2.4L with the tech package, significantly better loaded, larger, more comfortable and with rear wheel steer, more nimble than even the CLA.
The Benz just screams "I am an asshole"!
Not selling the TSX was a big mistake by Acura. The Benz may last 4 years...maybe 5. The Acura will last 15 years.
whats your opinion of the audi 3 quattro against these 2 cars?
If they are comparing Mercedes to Acura either Acura got better, Mercedes got worse, or both.
I'll keep my 2014 TSX
I was waiting for a review like this, great job! My money would be on the Acura A-Spec
I got the ILX 2016 premium. Very happy
A loaded all wheel drive TLX for around 45k would have compared well to a similarly equipped CLA for around the same price, but instead they compared an Acura that is essentiality a slightly more luxurious Honda Civic (and on a Civic platform) to a MB; what a joke! Only AutoGuide.com
You are right that the CLA is a cash grab for Mercedes. An attempt for them to appeal and sell to millennials with middle management incomes. However, just because it's the least expensive Merc, doesn't mean it should be compared to a car that shares parts and a platform with a Civic (the ILX). The CLA is on a MB platform. The average CLA leaves the dealership at around 40k (not even factoring in the 45AMG), so...not a lot of college kids buying. Furthermore, if you look at the demographics of CLA owners, median income is $80,000 a year. The average ticket price for an ILX is very low 30's and median income is $47,000 a year. Just because I criticized the ILX and CLA comparison, doesn't mean I think the CLA is a CL65. Are you now the dumbass?
a dog fight? how about a slaughter? The CLA is simply a better car. Yes options elevate this car to crazy heights for a FWD entry level car but the quality, performance, and options provided by Mercedes can't be beat by Acura. However if you understand this and don't need the higher appointments or extra performance the 2016 ILX (which I own) is a great car in its own right but just shouldn't be compared to a CLA. The 8 speed DCT is buttery smooth and loves to rev. While the ILX doesn't have amazing torque it's 0-60 times are still 6.25 seconds. it's important to note that the ILX tops off at $35k making it anight extreme value pick. Plus right now ILX are going thousands of dollars bellow invoice. So now again compare a CLA against an ILX Tech with A-Spec but now imagine the A-Spec cost sub $30k while the CLA is $40k. Is that extra $10k worth it? IMO no but you be the judge
I'm not convinced the quality of the CLA is superior to the ILX. It is fairly certain once most MB products start tacking on the miles, it spends more and more time in a service bay. The ILX like any Acura/Honda product will hit 200,000 miles with little effort.
I admitted the CLA is more stylish in a popular way, though not in my eye. But the build quality is not like what you think of a MB. I own a 16 ILX top of the line and I testdrived CLA and made my decision to Acura. Even if the performance is better, the value is not (3.5k difference). Practically, A3 is overall a better car in this segment, 2 series drives better, CLA only looks better than those German competitors, and I will still have my ILX since it might be the last NA VTEC engine of the era.
cla is a plasticky mess unless you get a fully loaded model.
The Mercedes will always cost more to maintain since parts for them are harder to find and more complex to repair so chances are you'll end up having to go to the dealer to service them more.
pretty hard to compare a premium car like Mercedes to Acura. Acura is not a bad car but their cars have been going downhill since the 9os in terms of sportiness and premium brand recognition
I to the L to the X vs C to the L to the A
it would have been more interesting if you had compared a front drive standard CLA to the Acura. closer specs.
That guys lisp when he talks cracks me up.
Acura any day...CLA is just Hyundai Genesis Coupe knock off...typical mercedes only can copy other brands...
JustLucky Mercedes doesn’t copy 😂
Are dumb?? Acura wants be on Mercedes level.
that cla reminds me of the chrysler 200 and that is not a good thing I think they need to quit trying to make econo benzs that interior dash vents look like a kids scion , I like the old simple mercedes , woodgrain cream leather , not the pleather not fwd ,
I really wish Acura would put SH-AWD in the ilx. Maybe the next gen. At least add rws in the current ilx.
The SH-AWD has so many parts on the drivetrain that can go wrong. Since they designed it on transverse mounted engines. Basically they designed the AWD around a FWD plat form. I would prefer longitudinal mounted engine if they were going to make it AWD, like Subaru's.
Great review. Can't go wrong with either car.
I feel like the Civic Si would be a better buythan the ilx if you can get over the looks?
Great comparison! Sami reminds me a lot like a mixture of Shia LaBoeuf and Wil Wheaton.
Sounds like a south park voice actor
The benz looks slick but for the price, it's tough to swallow
Would rather a Acura.
The Mercedes is 34k and the ilx is 27 how about change it to the tlx
+Imma Turkey And point of is is what? To put CLA into even bigger shame? ILX starts and $27k CLA starts at almost $30k besides they are in same compact sedan category.
your specs are wrong, CLA gets 26,38 mpg not 27 33
compare the Aspec ILX
I'm still not sure who won...
is this Toronto?
This comparison is not equally matched. Why would you guys even attempt? C'mon now.
I didn't know will wheaton did car reviews.
Sylvester from looney toons
Right
Not sure what to get. Help?
Lol comparing an acura to a mercedes. Mercedes is superior to BMW dont mention a fucking acura
Ilija Petrovic Talking about price to value ratio, Mers are not that good at all.
Jake Zhao Actually mercedes is top of the range. Go to a proper mechanic shop and tear down a new mercedes, most quality parts only. They never break down
Ilija Petrovic I know Honda never break down. And we all know how expensive to keep a Merc running. They are good choice for wealthy dude, elegant and sophisticated. But I prefer Honda's way, passion and simplicity :p
Jake Zhao Yeah hondas are very reliable and you are right Merc is expensive to maintain. But its the only luxury choice if you want true luxury and performance - much better than audi and bmw
I guess we are going to have to agree to disagree here but I believe that BMW still builds the superior driver's car when compared with Merc. Don't get me wrong, They are both extremely good brands but I still believe that BMW builds their cars better with regards to driver experience on the road. Mercedes wins in creature comforts, but BMW wins with driving dynamics. The difference isn't that big though. Throw whatever numbers you want, but they won't say anything about feel.
if you want an unreliable expensive car go with the Mercedes if you want a reliable more affordable luxury car go with the acura
I'm sure if headroom would have been good in the cla you guys would have picked it.
Love the ILX it's nice and love the wheels
2014 2.4L ILX is the most fun with the manual. I don’t like any of the cars with all the layers of unnecessary technology and automatic
Someone please tell me that awesome intro song?!
3:00 wtf learn to talk. Open your mouth. Acura wins because Benz in 8 years will cost arm and leg to repair
Thufferin thuckatash
THAT FUCKING LITHHPP.
Those Merc taillights are scary ugly at night.
Neither has enough pedals.
Lmao, the second guy's lisp
A Mercedes is a Mercedes
WV GTI is probably a much better alternative to both of these borderline pointless cars.
why not the TLX vs CLA?
TLX competes with C300
He chose the Thee L A Mercedes.
Why does the ILX engine bay looks like its 5-years old already? lol
It might be called the poor mans benz but that car looks sexy AF. When you flash a benz key you have to be prepared to keep the gold diggers and bitches at bay
Come on Acura, put the new 2.0 turbo with a sh awd in the new 2019 ilx body and please update the infotainment system. You will have a winner over the germans
I could afford the integra and actually bought the rsx, I can't afford the ilx.
Ilx got the Mercedes beat don't waste your money on Mercedes plus Acura is put together in the USA 💪🏋️♂️💪
The blinged Civic wins... Because of value? Didn't you say the Merc was better quality? Seriously? The expensive Civic is good value?
Awww, Luke's so cute in this one.
Anyone driving the CLA 250 is going to cry if they pull up to the lights next to a CLA 45 AMG!
I drove my friends amg and it wasn't great. It honestly wasn't comfortable in any way shape or form, didn't ride good, there was a good amount of turbo lag and it didn't feel as fast, it is fast, just doesn't feel fast which leaves you wanting more
hmmm Well my new CLA 45 AMG comes in October and has 21 more BHP and 25 more NM of torque. That should be fast enough ... they have also changed the gearing too so 0 to 100kph drops to 4.2 secs .... now that is fast in anyone's book!
3Vimages it is still not going to feel fast. I have a 2014 SL550, and that car feels fast and it is only .5 second faster 0-60 from the 45. But the feeling, the way the car kicks you is what so cool. Like i said the CLA is fast, but doesn't feel fast. But as long as you like your car it is all good lol.
hmmm The SL550 isn't half a second quicker 0-60 than the 45 ... book says it is 4.1 which is all but the same as the 45.
The CLA 45 I road tested for 3 hours felt well fast to me ... especially using the launch control with its all wheel drive.
But, as you say, as long as you`re happy with your car than all is good!
3Vimages Book actually says 4.3-4.5 in the CLA, depending on the tires temp, etc. SL550 does 3.9-4.0 I actually used a GPS timer and got in about 4.05 or so seconds. 550 ft/lb gets you out real quick. Plus it is not just 0-60 times, the SL in general will pull at any point much harder. I raced with a friend who has a 2015 Mustang GT. From 45 to about 90 mph, and the results were really shocking. I always loved HP before I got the car, but now it is all about the torque for me lol. Good luck with your car man. :)
I don't think I'd want either car I can't imagine paying that kind of money for less than 300 hp but that's just me.
When you drive the CLA, that will go out the window. At least it did for me.
Levi Dillard im sure it's sporty and those torque numbers are nice but still not for me.
I never really go by engine power. I go by 0-60 time. Since engine power, car weight and transmissions play a bigger part on performance that HP alone. Mid to high 6 seconds is pretty good for a car this range and practicality.
yeeahh so much fun, but will only last less than 2 years, it will breakdown and you sell it, then the guy that buys it has to spend a fortune every year in repairs,until he sells it too, then to the other guy how buys it, and so on... (the ILX will last 20years trouble free)
I'd take a Benz over any Honda any day
Huh ilx vs cla?? My acura ilx rides like crap. It has a funny handling im so disappointed with my acura ilx.. even with my MDX ugh!
Mercedes hands down over the Acura!
Both are ugly, hideous trash, but I'd take the Acura. At least it's going to be reliable trash, not to mention better looking (The wheels are the worst part)
kirbyswarp In the CLA, you're paying for the badge, and little else. Badge snobbery.
Change the wheels on the Acura and it's looking good for that much lower price.
kirbyswarp Agreed about the wheels. They're probably the ugliest factory wheels I've ever seen. The TLX wheels are much better. I don't know why Acura (and Honda for that matter as well) has switched from fairly conservative wheel designs to blingy ugly designs.
Alex George The old ILX wheels would look 100X better.
Agreed. I wish they would bring back the mid 2000s TL Type S wheels (dark gray honeycomb style). Those were in my opinion some of the most attractive factory wheels.
Alex George Mid 2000's acuras were actually great cars. That TL is my favorite for sure.
So sick and tired of hearing about mpg.
Thats a lie i hate acura and honda
I like mercadese benz they are awesome cars
He needs a daffy duck costume
Acura ILX = dog poop
Mercedes CLA= cat poop
what poop do you prefer :D
For a "normal" moderately priced 30-40k car, the Benz looks nice. Acura cars just don't do it for me looks wise.
Ricky Vang Just talking about looks. The benz looks better.
Gmoney Mozart That's being subjective.
Spec_V Well ya I just said looks wise the Acura just doesn't do it for me.
Your last comment didn't state that. I didn't look the previous.
Bruh, ilx is faster tho
No Craig Cole, pass.