VS
At a Glance
Power
349hp @ 6300
255hp @ 5800
Torque
369lb-ft @ 3200
295lb-ft @ 2000
Fuel
24 mpg est.
30 mpg est.
Engine
3.0 L/183ci
2.0 L/122ci
Choosing between the Audi A4 and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Audi A4 delivers 349hp @ 6300 while the Mercedes-Benz C-Class produces 255hp @ 5800. On fuel, the A4 returns 24 mpg est. while the C-Class uses 30 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $49,900 for the A4 and $49,650 for the C-Class. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Audi A4Premium 3.0 TFSI quattro 2021 - From $49,900
Mercedes-Benz C-ClassC 300 Sedan 2026 - From $49,650
Performance
Power Output (hp)
349hp @ 6300
255hp @ 5800
Torque (lb-ft)
369lb-ft @ 3200
295lb-ft @ 2000
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3.0 L/183ci
2.0 L/122ci
Engine Layout
V
—
Cylinders
6
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
—
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic w/OD
Automatic
Number of Gears
8
—
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
Rear Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
24 mpg est.
30 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
20 (2020)mpg
25mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
28mpg
35mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
15.3gal
17.4gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
187.5in
187in
Width (in)
72.7in
74.4in
Height (in)
56.2in
56.6in
Wheelbase (in)
111in
112.8in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3847lbs
3825lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
—
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
1 / 4 categories
Performance
A4
Fuel Economy
C-Class
Value
Tied
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Audi A4
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (24 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Better fuel economy (30 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($49,650)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the A4 or C-Class?
The A4 gets 24 mpg est. and the C-Class gets 30 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The C-Class is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the A4 or C-Class?
The A4 produces 349hp @ 6300 and 369lb-ft @ 3200 of torque while the C-Class delivers 255hp @ 5800 and 295lb-ft @ 2000 of torque. The A4 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the A4 and C-Class?
The A4 starts from $49,900 and the C-Class from $49,650, a difference of just $250, which is negligible. At this price point the two are essentially tied on starting price. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the A4 or the C-Class?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.
Also Consider