Hi all,

So a little bit of background, I currently own a Mercedes E class (W212) with sport package. It's a sedan but now I'm looking for a coupe to buy in a couple months. I’m considering a used 2014 CLA 45 and 2015 370Z Nismo (they are both nearly equally priced at around $25k USD where I’m at). I understand the CLA is 4-doors, but the back seats essentially won’t be used for seating people. Main purpose is simply commute to work, and also sometimes do spirited driving on backroads on weekends. I also understand both CLA and 370z have completely different driving dynamics, but I love both. However I’m looking more of an opinion on which one would be of better value and overall satisfaction. The CLA is likely to have more running costs (maintenance/insurance/depreciation) being a Mercedes, but it’s not exactly in the realm of unaffordable (I’m aware of the reality of how much my current Mercedes costs to maintain). I just don’t want to be inconvenienced taking it to the shop often. The 2020 CLA is absolutely gorgeous, and I think the 2014 models will tank a couple grand depreciation a bit later into 2020. What’s more important is the reliability (which I know can’t really be said for any sports car), than the running costs.

On paper, I think the CLA carries more value (it has a far nicer interior and tech than the 370z), has more raw horsepower and quicker 0 to 60 time due to very quick upshifts. On the other hand, the 370z has a very beautiful exterior and I can’t ignore how aggressive it looks. The CLA can also be considered a step-down in features from my current car. It won’t have power-closing trunk, etc. but they are things I can live without. What I’m worried about is how much similar this will be too my current Mercedes. It has roughly 50 more HP than my current car with AMG tuning and suspension. Am I just wasting my money for a step down in luxury but increase in performance? This is why I thought about the 370z, which is a drastically different car. Yes, it’s even more of a step down in interior quality and features, but what matters ultimately is just me being in the driver’s seat on the road. I’ll probably end up retrofitting Apple Carplay and backup camera on it (which is more or less all I need). The Z appears to be more exhilarating to get into the driver’s seat than the CLA (which is sometimes said to just feel like a sedan on steroids). However I won’t deny I feel somewhat disappointed by the overall interior quality.