Compare the2018 Volkswagen BeetleVS 2018 Mercedes SLC

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 SLC 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 SLC doesn’t offer a cross-path warning system.

Both the Beetle and the SLC 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 SLC’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 SLC’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 SLC’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 SLC:

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

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certifies the Volkswagen Beetle as a “Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle” (PZEV). The Mercedes SLC is only certified to “Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle” (ULEV) standards.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Beetle’s wheelbase is 4.3 inches longer than on the SLC (100 inches vs. 95.7 inches).

The Volkswagen Beetle may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 250 to 300 pounds less than the Mercedes SLC.

The Beetle has standard seating for 4 passengers; the SLC can only carry 2.

The Beetle Convertible has 32.6 cubic feet more passenger volume than the SLC (81.4 vs. 48.8).

The Beetle Convertible has a larger trunk than the SLC with its top down (7.1 vs. 6.4 cubic feet).

The Beetle Convertible’s front and rear power windows all open or close with one touch of the switches. The SLC’s rear power window switches have to be held the entire time to close them fully.

The Volkswagen Beetle comes in coupe and convertible bodystyles; the Mercedes SLC isn’t available as a coupe.

Insurance will cost less for the Beetle owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the Beetle will cost $330 to $3765 less than the SLC over a five-year period.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the Volkswagen Beetle will be $24798 to $25180 less than for the Mercedes SLC.

The Volkswagen Beetle outsold the Mercedes SLC by over five to one during 2017.