Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs. Nissan Maxima

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Nissan Maxima 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 Mercedes-Benz C-Class and the Nissan Maxima.

When we compare the Mercedes-Benz C-Class's and the Nissan Maxima's specifications and ratings, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, resale value and overall quality score. The Nissan Maxima has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, interior volume and base engine power. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Nissan Maxima have the same Based on this comparison of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class's and the Nissan Maxima's specifications and ratings, the Nissan Maxima is a better car than the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

Pricing: A used 2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class ranges from $32,006 to $50,711 while a used 2023 Nissan Maxima is priced between $21,255 to $36,138. For a new model, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class's price is between $49,506 and $73,255, with the Nissan Maxima priced between $42,493 and $47,075.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class loses 52.5 percent of its value and the Nissan Maxima loses 54.2 percent of its value. This means the Mercedes-Benz C-Class retains 1.7 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Nissan Maxima.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class is 8.4 out of 10 while the Nissan Maxima's 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 Nissan Maxima being ranked 4 out of 7 Best Large Cars.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars' Reliability Rating for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Nissan Maxima is 7.5 out of 10.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class’s base engine makes 255 horsepower, and the Nissan Maxima base engine makes 300 horsepower. The C-Class is rated to deliver an average of 29 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 626 miles. The Maxima is rated to deliver an average of 24 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 540 miles. This gives the Mercedes-Benz C-Class the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Nissan Maxima. Both models use premium unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: The Nissan Maxima, a large car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, front leg room, rear shoulder room, and cargo space. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class, a compact car, has the advantage in the areas of front head room, rear head room and rear leg room.

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