Compare the2018 Volkswagen BeetleVS 2018 Mercedes C-Class Cabriolet

The Beetle has standard Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, which automatically apply the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The C-Class Cabriolet doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

To help make backing safer, the Beetle Coast/SE’s cross-path warning system uses wide-angle radar in the rear bumper to alert the driver to vehicles approaching from the side, helping the driver avoid collisions. The C-Class Cabriolet doesn’t offer a cross-path warning system.

Both the Beetle and the C-Class Cabriolet have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights, rearview cameras, available blind spot warning systems and rear parking sensors.

The Beetle comes with a full 6-year/72000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire car. The C-Class Cabriolet’s 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty expires 2 years and 22000 miles sooner.

The Beetle’s corrosion warranty is 5 years longer than the C-Class Cabriolet’s (10 vs. 5 years).

There are over 71 percent more Volkswagen dealers than there are Mercedes dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Beetle’s warranty.

The Volkswagen Beetle’s engine uses a cast iron block for durability, while the C-Class Cabriolet’s engines use an aluminum block. Aluminum engine blocks are much more prone to warp and crack at high temperatures than cast iron.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2017 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Volkswagen vehicles are better in initial quality than Mercedes vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Volkswagen 10th in initial quality, above the industry average. With 9 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mercedes is ranked 17th, below the industry average.

On the EPA test cycle the Beetle gets better fuel mileage than the C 300 Cabriolet RWD (26 city/33 hwy vs. 22 city/29 hwy). The Beetle Dune gets better fuel mileage than the C 300 Cabriolet RWD (26 city/34 hwy vs. 22 city/29 hwy).

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Volkswagen Beetle uses regular unleaded gasoline. The C-Class Cabriolet requires premium, which can cost 20 to 55 cents more per gallon.

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Volkswagen Beetle higher (7 out of 10) than the Mercedes C-Class Cabriolet (5). This means the Beetle produces up to 8 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the C-Class Cabriolet every 15,000 miles.

The EPA certifies the Volkswagen Beetle as a “Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle” (PZEV). The Mercedes C-Class Cabriolet is only certified to “Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle” (ULEV) standards.

For better traction, the Beetle’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the C-Class Cabriolet (235/45R18 vs. 225/45R18).

For better maneuverability, the Beetle’s turning circle is 1.4 feet tighter than the C 300 Cabriolet’s (35.4 feet vs. 36.8 feet). The Beetle’s turning circle is 3 feet tighter than the AMG C 43 Cabriolet’s (35.4 feet vs. 38.4 feet).

The Volkswagen Beetle may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 800 to 950 pounds less than the Mercedes C-Class Cabriolet.

The Beetle is 1 foot, 4.1 inches shorter than the AMG C 43 Cabriolet, making the Beetle easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The Beetle Convertible has .1 cubic feet more passenger volume than the C-Class Cabriolet (81.4 vs. 81.3).

Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the Beetle Convertible to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The C-Class Cabriolet doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.