Audi S3 vs Mercedes-Benz C-Class (2026)

Price gap, MSRP + destination

$2,395

Scored measures. Each is scaled to the larger value. Bold: the winner.

S3 Base Style AWD vs C-Class C 300 RWD
Measure	S3	C-Class	Winner
MSRP + destination	$53,295	$50,900	C-Class
Horsepower	328 hp	255 hp	S3
Torque	295 lb-ft to 310 lb-ft	295 lb-ft	N/A
MPG combined	26 mpg	29 mpg	C-Class
Cargo, max	8.3 cu ft	11.6 cu ft	C-Class
Cargo, seats up	8.3 cu ft	11.6 cu ft	C-Class
Rear legroom	35.1 in	36.0 in	C-Class
Front legroom	41.2 in	41.7 in	C-Class
Length	177.4 in	187.0 in	Not scored
Width	71.5 in	71.7 in to 74.4 in	N/A
Curb weight	3,549 lb	3,792 lb	Not scored
Seats	5	5	About the same
0-60 mph	4.4 s tested	6.0 s tested	S3
Basic warranty	4 yr / 50,000 mi	4 yr / 50,000 mi	About the same

Not scored: length, width, curb weight. N/A rows are not counted.

Nearest trims by price

Each trim and the rival trim nearest in MSRP
Trim	Nearest in price	Gap
S3 Base Style AWD $52,000	C-Class C 300 4MATIC AWD $51,650	$350
C-Class C 300 RWD $49,650	S3 Base Style AWD $52,000	$2,350

Miles a yearGas, $ per gallonElectricity, cents per kWhYears

C-Class costs $3,312 less over 6 years.

12,000 miles a year. Gas $3.20. Electricity 17 cents per kWh.

Weight each group from 0 to 10. MPG uses fuel or charging cost.

Price 5MPG 5Power 5Space 5Towing 5

Equal weights: C-Class wins.

S3 wins if Space weight is 1 or less.

Your price and mpg will differ.

Reliability and safety are not included.