2021 Audi A4 vs. 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2021 Audi A4 and 2021 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 2021 Audi A4 and the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

In comparing the 2021 Audi A4's and the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class's specifications and ratings, the 2021 Audi A4 has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, and fuel efficiency, reliability and interior volume. The 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class has the advantage in the areas of resale value, overall quality score and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the 2021 Audi A4's and the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class's specifications and ratings, the 2021 Audi A4 is a better car than the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

Pricing: A used 2021 Audi A4 ranges from $19,998 to $30,432 while a used 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is priced between $22,261 to $39,579.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2021 Audi A4 loses 55 percent of its value and the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class loses 52.5 percent of its value. This means the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class retains 2.5 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2021 Audi A4.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Audi A4 is 7.7 out of 10 while the Mercedes-Benz C-Class' quality rating is 8.4 out of 10. This results in the Audi A4 being ranked 11 out of 36 Best Luxury Small Cars and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class being ranked 1 out of 36.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Audi A4 is 7.7 out of 10. For the Mercedes-Benz C-Class the reliability rating is 7.5 out of 10. This gives the Audi A4 a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2021 Audi A4’s base engine makes 201 horsepower, and the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class base engine makes 255 horsepower. The A4 is rated to deliver an average of 28 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 520 miles. The C-Class is rated to deliver an average of 27 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 609 miles.This gives the 2021 Audi A4 the advantage in fuel efficiency and the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class the advantage in maximum range. Both models use premium unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are compact cars, the 2021 Audi A4 has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, rear head room and rear leg room. The 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class has the advantage in the areas of front leg room, rear shoulder room and cargo space.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the 2021 Audi A4 and the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.