2019 BMW 3 Series vs. 2019 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2019 BMW 3 Series and 2019 Mercedes-Benz C-Class contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2019 BMW 3 Series and the 2019 Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

In comparing the 2019 BMW 3 Series's and the 2019 Mercedes-Benz C-Class's specifications and ratings, the 2019 BMW 3 Series has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, reliability, interior volume and overall quality score. The 2019 Mercedes-Benz C-Class has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, and resale value. The 2019 BMW 3 Series and 2019 Mercedes-Benz C-Class have the same base engine power. Based on this comparison of the 2019 BMW 3 Series's and the 2019 Mercedes-Benz C-Class's specifications and ratings, the 2019 BMW 3 Series is a better car than the 2019 Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

Pricing: A used 2019 BMW 3 Series ranges from $21,304 to $30,900 while a used 2019 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is priced between $20,453 to $38,006.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2019 BMW 3 Series loses 50.1 percent of its value and the 2019 Mercedes-Benz C-Class loses 47.9 percent of its value. This means the 2019 Mercedes-Benz C-Class retains 2.3 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2019 BMW 3 Series.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the BMW 3 Series is 8.6 out of 10 while the Mercedes-Benz C-Class' quality rating is 8.3 out of 10. This results in the BMW 3 Series being ranked 3 out of 36 Best Luxury Small Cars and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class being ranked 8 out of 36.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the BMW 3 Series is 8.4 out of 10. For the Mercedes-Benz C-Class the reliability rating is 8.3 out of 10. This gives the BMW 3 Series a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the base engine of both the 2019 BMW 3 Series and the 2019 Mercedes-Benz C-Class makes 255 horsepower. The 3 Series is rated to deliver an average of 30 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 562 miles. The C-Class is rated to deliver an average of 27 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 592 miles.This gives the 2019 BMW 3 Series the advantage in fuel efficiency and the 2019 Mercedes-Benz C-Class the advantage in maximum range. Both models use premium unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are compact cars, the 2019 BMW 3 Series has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, and cargo space. The 2019 Mercedes-Benz C-Class has the advantage in the area of rear shoulder room. The 2019 BMW 3 Series and 2019 Mercedes-Benz C-Class are comparable in regards to rear leg room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the 2019 BMW 3 Series and the 2019 Mercedes-Benz C-Class have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.