German Car Zone

Wow just noticed!! 5 seconds difference from 0 - 180 km/h... The Audi is the faster car...but this is the thing with AMS acceleration times again! It would be interesting how fast the Audi is the automatic transmission - sadly, this engine isn't available with one.

I think this is the best new A4. 3 litre TDi, all-wheel-drive and 6-spd manual gearbox. My dream car for the weekdays!

The new A4 is a kick ass car...well done Audi,and MB update ur bloody engines

That is a HUGE difference...!

Both cars look great though!
Just saw the "National Treasure" movie and the C looked really good there Wish they'd a R8 instead of that Ferrari in the end though

The new A4 seems to be really great! Saw my first the other day and i like it. The engine (diesel) sounded a bit raw though, but then again it might have been cold.

So, here is a short summary of the "rating":

1. Audi A4: An accentuated sporty limousine with excellent handling and a emphatically grabing engine. Also the moderate fuel consumption and the price "speak" for this car.

2. Mercedes C-Class: The Mercedes represents the classic virtues of the brand with the star. The comfort and the relaxed drivetrain afford an enjoyable but expensive home for the driver!

Important Excerpts

-The Audi is sportier. The suspension and steering setup feel sporty and the car is more agile. This A4 had the optional Drive Select suspension, which allows the driver to select from three different suspension settings. The C-Class isn't bad in this regard but feels less involving and not as sporty and the engine is less responsive.

-The Mercedes engine is quieter and a bit more refined, but the Audi engine is more agile due to the fact that it is mated to a 6-speed manual and not an automatic transmission.

-The Audi suspension is setup for sporty driving. The comfort is average but the suspension is not very good at absorbing shocks on uneven roads. The Mercedes suspension is superior in this regard as occupants rarely feel what the road surface is like.

-Audi A4 3.0 TDI comes standard with AWD. The Mercedes C320 CDI is only available in RWD in standard form and for 4,641 Euros in C320 CDI 4Matic mode. The C320 CDI 4Matic is only available with the 7Gtronic because the transmission was designed to be integrated with the new 4Matic system in order to conserve space and weight.

-Mercedes power distribution: 45% front : 55% rear
-Audi power distribution: 40% front : 60% rear


Verdict:The Audi is a sporty luxury limousine. It is agile and fast. The Mercedes feels more relaxed and very comfortable. Both are superb cars, but in a test like this, when you have two great and superior cars competing against each other, the one with the cheaper price and better fuel economy has the edge.




About the acceleration times, I don't know if AMS even tested them since they have NO DATA for the midrange acceleration of the C320 CDI regarding 60-100 and 80-120 km/h but they have them for the A4. It's likely that they're quoting factory figures. I'm never really convinced by AMS 0-100 times. IMO the American car magazines do a much more "serious" job in this regard.

That is, what I was looking for - I hoped that you will translate it!! Thanks Christian!!

wow, the a4 seems like a great car, in all the magazine reviews it's fairing rather well with the competition.