Audi S3 vs Mercedes-Benz C300
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2026 Mercedes-Benz C300
Overview
| Spec | Audi S3S3 Sedan | Mercedes-Benz C300C 300 |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | S3 Sedan | C 300 |
| Body style | Sedan | Sedan |
| Drivetrain | all wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| Fuel type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (required) |
| Transmission | 7-speed automated manual | 9-speed shiftable automatic |
| Engine type | gas | mild hybrid |
| Model year | 2026 | 2026 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Audi S3S3 Sedan | Mercedes-Benz C300C 300 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $52,000 | $49,650 (best) |
| Lowest listing price | $55,494 (best) | — |
| Median listing price | $57,657 (best) | — |
| Highest listing price | $59,820 (best) | — |
| For sale now | 2 (best) | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Audi S3S3 Sedan | Mercedes-Benz C300C 300 |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 26 MPG | 29 MPG (best) |
| City MPG | 23 MPG | 25 MPG (best) |
| Highway MPG | 31 MPG | 35 MPG (best) |
| Fuel tank | 14.5 gal | 17.4 gal (best) |
Performance
| Spec | Audi S3S3 Sedan | Mercedes-Benz C300C 300 |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 328 hp (best) | 255 hp |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft |
| Engine size | 2 L | 2 L |
| Cylinders | I4 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Audi S3S3 Sedan | Mercedes-Benz C300C 300 |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 8.3 cu ft | 11.6 cu ft (best) |
| Payload | 860 lbs (best) | — |
| Curb weight | 3,549 lbs (best) | 3,825 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 103.6 in | 112.8 in (best) |
| Length | 177.4 in | 187 in (best) |
| Width | 71.5 in | 74.4 in (best) |
| Height | 55.7 in | 56.6 in (best) |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Audi S3S3 Sedan | Mercedes-Benz C300C 300 |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | Not Rated | — |
| Frontal crash (driver) | Not Rated | — |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | Not Rated | — |
| Side crash (driver) | Not Rated | — |
| Side crash (passenger) | Not Rated | — |
| Side pole | Not Rated | — |
| Rollover | Not Rated | — |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | None reported | None reported |
Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.
Trim overview
All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.
| Trim | Audi S3 | Mercedes-Benz C300 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | S3 Sedan $52,000 MSRP(Currently comparing) | C 300 $49,650 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | — | C 300 4MATIC $51,650 MSRP |
Live inventory
Audi S3 vs Mercedes-Benz C300 FAQ
- Which is better: 2026 Audi S3 or 2026 Mercedes-Benz C300?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2026 Audi S3 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz C300 on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2026 Audi S3 or 2026 Mercedes-Benz C300?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz C300 starts lower at $49,650. Live Audi S3 listings start at $55,494.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2026 Audi S3 or 2026 Mercedes-Benz C300?
- The 2026 Mercedes-Benz C300 leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (49,650).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2026 Audi S3 or 2026 Mercedes-Benz C300?
- The 2026 Mercedes-Benz C300 leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (29).
- Which has better horsepower: 2026 Audi S3 or 2026 Mercedes-Benz C300?
- The 2026 Audi S3 leads on horsepower in this comparison (328).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2026 Audi S3 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz C300?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Audi S3 (Not Rated/5 NHTSA overall).