BMW 328is vs. Mercedes-Benz CLK320 vs.Volvo C70

What do you get in a $35,000-$40,000 European sport/luxury coupe? Our sampler was a sumptuous buffet: three inviting entres, each specially prepared to whet the appetites of buyers looking for ample servings of style and luxury with a generous side of sport appeal. Yet, each reflects a different set of tastes. One has a zesty bite that perks up the enthusiast palate; another offers a complex, full-bodied flavor with a decided kick of its own; while the third provides a milder, yet satisfyingly smooth, taste for those who prefer peperoncinis to jalapeos. If you're hungry for a sport/luxury coupe, you've come to the right place. Now, let's dig in.

The BMW 328is is the oldest of this threesome, having hit the streets two years ago when the Bavarian automaker swapped its previous 2.5-liter/189-horsepower inline six for a torquier 2.8-liter/190-horse version. The car's basic style and chassis, however, have remained intact since this generation's introduction for the '91 model year. Yet, the 328is has aged gracefully, sporting a lean, muscular look that continues to draw admiring glances from onlookers. Still, this version is in its last year; a new 3 Series sedan will be introduced this fall, with a new coupe following next year.

The Mercedes-Benz CLK320 debuted last fall and was the first model from the company in 64 years to come from the drawing board as a pure coupe. Developed from the C-Class chassis, it sports a look that's sleek, solid, and sophisticated and it plays off the striking front-end styling cues of the popular E-Class. Coming on the heels of the CLK320 are a cabriolet version due next year and the V-8-powered 275-horse CLK430 soon after.

Heads also turned last year when traditionally conservative Volvo took the wraps off its eye-catching C70 coupe. Equipped with a potent 2.3-liter/236-horsepower turbocharged/intercooled DOHC five-cylinder engine, the C70's adrenaline-pumping performance has finally made Volvo synonymous with driving excitement. Meanwhile, a convertible version of the C70, due this spring, will be the first open-top from the Swedish automaker since the Volvo Sport in 1956.

To create this comparison, we asked for the best-performing version of each model line. In the 328is and C70, this netted us a five-speed manual transmission. Since Mercedes doesn't offer a stick in the CLK, it came with a five-speed automatic. The 328is and CLK, meanwhile, are both rear-driven, while the C70 is front-drive. Both of the Germans are classified as subcompacts, and the C70's larger cabin volume warrants a midsize classification. All include dual front and side airbags, as well as traction control.

The 328is carries the lowest base price-$33,200-and, though comfortably appointed, includes proportionally few amenities. Our tester came standard with eight-way power front seats, dual automatic climate control, 10-speaker AM/FM/cassette, and heated outside mirrors and included BMW's $2125 Sport Package, which consists of leather sport seats, firmer suspension tuning, 16-inch wheels, and 225/50ZR16 tires. With destination charges, its as-tested total was $35,895.

The C70 bases almost $6000 higher at $38,995, but comes more luxuriously appointed, with standard leather upholstery, three-position memory seats, power tilt/slide sunroof, walnut trim, 400-watt audio system with in-dash three-disc CD changer, trip computer, and tilt/telescopic steering wheel, in addition to the standards listed above for the BMW. Plus, our model came with a Dolby Pro-Logic surround-sound system ($595), heated front seats ($235), and traction control system ($450); with shipping, it tallied $40,850.