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

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2019 Mercedes-Benz C-Class and 2019 BMW 3 Series 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 Mercedes-Benz C-Class and the 2019 BMW 3 Series.

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

Pricing: A used 2019 Mercedes-Benz C-Class ranges from $16,268 to $34,499 while a used 2019 BMW 3 Series is priced between $17,985 to $28,811.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2019 Mercedes-Benz C-Class loses 52.5 percent of its value and the 2019 BMW 3 Series loses 51.4 percent of its value. This means the 2019 BMW 3 Series retains 1.1 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2019 Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class is 8.4 out of 10 while the BMW 3 Series' quality rating is 7.7 out of 10. This results in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class being ranked 1 out of 36 Best Luxury Small Cars and the BMW 3 Series being ranked 15 out of 36.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class is 7.5 out of 10. For the BMW 3 Series the reliability rating is 7.3 out of 10. This gives the Mercedes-Benz C-Class a slight advantage in reliability compared to the BMW 3 Series.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the base engine of both the 2019 Mercedes-Benz C-Class and the 2019 BMW 3 Series makes 255 horsepower. The C-Class is rated to deliver an average of 27 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 592 miles. The 3 Series is rated to deliver an average of 30 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 562 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 Mercedes-Benz C-Class and 2019 BMW 3 Series are comparable in regards to rear leg room.

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