Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 300 4MATIC vs Audi RS3 Sportback

Comparison winners

4 metrics
0-100 winner Audi RS3 Sportback 3.7 s Runner-up: 6.0 s
Power winner Audi RS3 Sportback 407 hp Runner-up: 258 hp
Cargo winner Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 300 4MATIC 455 L Runner-up: 282 L
Price winner Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 300 4MATIC $45,400 Runner-up: $65,500

How the specs compare

This comparison sets the 2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 300 4MATIC against the 2026 Audi RS3 Sportback. Both belong to the sedan class, so their dimensions, performance and utility figures address a broadly similar type of car. Both use petrol powertrains, allowing a relatively direct comparison of the recorded energy figures.

Performance, power and 0-100 km/h

2026 Audi RS3 Sportback has the quicker recorded 0-100 km/h time at 3.7 seconds, compared with 6.0 seconds for 2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 300 4MATIC. 2026 Audi RS3 Sportback has the higher listed output at 407 hp; 2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 300 4MATIC is rated at 258 hp, a difference of 149 hp. The torque figures follow 2026 Audi RS3 Sportback at 500 Nm and 2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 300 4MATIC at 400 Nm. These figures describe straight-line potential only; they do not establish braking performance, ride quality, steering response or durability under repeated hard use.

Range, battery, charging and efficiency

2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 300 4MATIC has the lower recorded consumption at 7.6 L/100km; 2026 Audi RS3 Sportback is listed at 9.1 L/100km. Test cycle, temperature, wheel size and charging conditions can materially affect these results, so only figures measured on the same basis should be treated as directly comparable.

Dimensions, cargo space and towing

2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 300 4MATIC provides the larger quoted cargo volume: 455 litres versus 282 litres, a difference of 173 litres. 2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 300 4MATIC is 370 mm longer overall. Exterior size is not a benefit by itself: a longer body may create useful room, but cargo shape, rear-seat space and ease of parking still require a physical inspection.

Price and overall assessment

2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 300 4MATIC has the lower listed starting price at $45,400, compared with $65,500 for 2026 Audi RS3 Sportback. The measured categories split evenly, so the better choice depends on which attributes matter most. The assessment is based on the specifications shown here; it is not presented as a two-car road test.

Prepared by CarsbySpec from the structured specifications displayed on this page. Missing values are not estimated, and component figures are not treated as directly comparable system figures. Read the methodology.

Specification Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 300 4MATIC2025 Audi RS3 Sportback2026
Performance
0-100 km/h6.0 s3.7 s
Top Speed250 km/h300 km/h
Power258 hp407 hp
Torque400 Nm500 Nm
Range & Efficiency
Fuel Tank66 L50 L
Efficiency7.6 L/100km9.1 L/100km
CO2 Emissions174 g/km208 g/km
Size & Capacity
Length4,751 mm4,381 mm
Ground Clearance131 mm128 mm
Cargo455 L282 L
Curb Weight1,660 kg1,575 kg
Seats55
Turning Circle11.3 m10.9 m
Starting MSRP$45,400$65,500

Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 300 4MATIC vs Audi RS3 Sportback questions answered

Which is faster, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 300 4MATIC or the 2026 Audi RS3 Sportback?

2026 Audi RS3 Sportback is quicker from 0-100 km/h at 3.7 seconds, versus 6.0 seconds for 2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 300 4MATIC.

Which has the higher top speed, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 300 4MATIC or the 2026 Audi RS3 Sportback?

2026 Audi RS3 Sportback has the higher listed top speed at 300 km/h (186 mph), compared with 250 km/h (155 mph).

Which has more horsepower, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 300 4MATIC or the 2026 Audi RS3 Sportback?

2026 Audi RS3 Sportback has more power at 407 hp, a 149 hp advantage over 2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 300 4MATIC.

Which has more cargo or boot space, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 300 4MATIC or the 2026 Audi RS3 Sportback?

2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 300 4MATIC has more listed cargo space at 455 litres (16.1 cu ft), versus 282 litres (10.0 cu ft).

Which is heavier, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 300 4MATIC or the 2026 Audi RS3 Sportback?

2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 300 4MATIC is heavier at 1,660 kg (3,660 lb), while 2026 Audi RS3 Sportback is listed at 1,575 kg (3,472 lb).

Which is cheaper, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 300 4MATIC or the 2026 Audi RS3 Sportback?

2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 300 4MATIC has the lower recorded starting MSRP at $45,400 USD, compared with $65,500 USD for 2026 Audi RS3 Sportback. Regional pricing and equipment can differ.

Which is better, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 300 4MATIC or the 2026 Audi RS3 Sportback?

The measured categories split evenly, so the better choice depends on which attributes matter most. This comparison is based on recorded specifications rather than a road test, so the right choice depends on the buyer's priorities.