VS
At a Glance
Power
394hp @ 5600
255hp @ 5800
Torque
369lb-ft @ 2250
295lb-ft @ 2000
Fuel
24 mpg est.
28 mpg est.
Engine
2.5 L/151ci
2.0 L/122ci
Choosing between the Audi S3 and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Audi S3 delivers 394hp @ 5600 while the Mercedes-Benz C-Class produces 255hp @ 5800. On fuel, the S3 returns 24 mpg est. while the C-Class uses 28 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $52,000 for the S3 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 S3quattro 2026 - From $52,000
Mercedes-Benz C-ClassC 300 4MATIC Sedan 2026 - From $49,650
Performance
Power Output (hp)
394hp @ 5600
255hp @ 5800
Torque (lb-ft)
369lb-ft @ 2250
295lb-ft @ 2000
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.5 L/151ci
2.0 L/122ci
Cylinders
5
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
—
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic w/OD
Number of Gears
7
—
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
24 mpg est.
28 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
20mpg
24mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
29mpg
33mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
14.5gal
17.4gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
178.8in
187in
Width (in)
72.9in
74.4in
Height (in)
55.6in
56.6in
Wheelbase (in)
103.6in
112.8in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3627lbs
3957lbs
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
✓ 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
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2 / 4 categories
Performance
S3
Fuel Economy
C-Class
Value
C-Class
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Audi S3
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (24 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Better fuel economy (28 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($49,650)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the S3 or C-Class?
The S3 gets 24 mpg est. and the C-Class gets 28 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 S3 or C-Class?
The S3 produces 394hp @ 5600 and 369lb-ft @ 2250 of torque while the C-Class delivers 255hp @ 5800 and 295lb-ft @ 2000 of torque. The S3 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the S3 and C-Class?
The S3 starts from $52,000 and the C-Class from $49,650. The C-Class is cheaper by $2,350 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the S3 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