German Car Zone

A4 wants to be the sportiest car in the middleclass. Is that enough to beat the C-class?


At the end A4 puts the C-class to place two. Much thanks to the TDI engine, interior and the better base price. However, C-class offer better comfort and is better equipped.

1. A4 (478p)
2. C-class (468p)


BODY Points maximally AUDI Mercedes

Available space: 30 24 23
Trunk/variability: 20 12 12
Additional load (trailer weight): 20 15 16
Seat/seating position: 30 28 27
Space feeling/all-round visibility: 20 16 17
Equipment/operability: 30 27 26
Safety equipment: 30 20 25
Quality impression/materials: 20 18 17
Intermediate result : 200 160 163

DRIVE/CHASSIS
Engine characteristics: 20 18 15
Beschleunigung/Vmax: 30 22 21
Elasticity: 20 13 10
Handling: 30 29 28
Driving noises: 10 10 9
Travelling comfort: 20 16 17
Transmission/circuit: 20 18 17
Steering element/turning circle: 20 17 17
Brakes: 30 22 23
Intermediate result: 200 165 157

COSTS
Tax/insurance: 20 17 15
Consumption/environment: 40 39 38
Warranty: 20 11 13
Maintenance: 20 16 17
Surcharge organization: 10 7 6
Resale *: 10 9 9
Price: 80 54 50
Intermediate result: 200 153 148


AUDI A4 2,0 TDI/Mercedes C 200 CDI
Acceleration 0-50 km/h 3.3 s 3.4 s
0-100 km/h 10.0 s 10.6 s
0-130 km/h 16.7 s 17.9 s
Elasticity 60-100 km/h 7.1 s (4th gear) 9.6 s (4th gear)
80-120 km/h 12.1 s (6th gear) 17.1 s (6th gear)

Braking distance from 100 km/h: 36.1 m 35.7 m

Price: 32,350 € 34,010 €

Wow!! The A4 looks great...

The Audi's elasticity really is impressive; suffice to say, it makes runny eggs of the MB. Nevertheless, the two vehicles are so evenly matched that as per usual, the choice comes down to personal preference. Great test though.

P.S. - I love that Barolo Red colour on the C-Class.

The rear end of the Audi already looks old.

I think that all the cars in this segment... 3er. c class and A4 have rears that are nice... but just not great... its a design flaw in all of them

im warming quickly to th A4 but there are still some lines i dont like... i doesnt all flow nicely to me yet... neither did the 3 series for awhile but now i love it

i MUCh prefer the traditional grille and star on the class then the sports package... having seen both in real life and both in black the classic verision is much more benz and more more elegent and luxurious

I agree. I saw dark blue C200k Elegance the other day and I was struck by how exclusive and premium it looked. You really don't need the sports package at all, especially if the C-class is in a dark colour.

As for the A4 it seem like Audi has done a superb job and like we see here it is clearly a contender, mostly because of it's very attractive price. The interior looks great although doesn't have the same high quality feel as the A6 and the B7. The plastic on the entire center console doesn't feel as good as the typical rubber/plastic used in Audis.

Did anyone ever post the Autocar comparison test?

The W204 Elegance looks absolutely beautiful!I can't understand why people prefer the Avantgarde! Especially with the AMG Sportpackage the C-Class Elegance is a very elegant and sporty car!









and I don't why, this is my absolutely favourite...



Compared to these, the Audi A4 design looks a bit "old".

I can't help but to say the man struggles to sit comfortably in back seat of the two cars. He looks 6'4 or even taller, not appropriate to be featured in compact sedan.