Compare the2022 Dodge ChallengerVS 2021 Mercedes AMG C-Class Coupe

The Challenger has standard Active Head Restraints, which use a specially designed headrest to protect the driver and front passenger from whiplash. During a rear-end collision, the Active Head Restraints system moves the headrests forward to prevent neck and spine injuries. The AMG C-Class Coupe doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

Both the Challenger and the AMG C-Class Coupe 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 all wheel drive, collision warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rear parking sensors and rear cross-path warning.

Dodge’s powertrain warranty covers the Challenger 1 year and 10,000 miles longer than Mercedes covers the AMG C-Class Coupe. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 5 years or 60,000 miles. Coverage on the AMG C-Class Coupe ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

There are over 6 times as many Dodge dealers as there are Mercedes dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Challenger’s warranty.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the Challenger’s reliability 46 points higher than the AMG C-Class Coupe.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Dodge vehicles are better in initial quality than Mercedes vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Dodge second in initial quality, above the industry average. With 54 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mercedes is ranked 25th, below the industry average.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that Dodge vehicles are more reliable than Mercedes vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Dodge 10 places higher in reliability than Mercedes.

The Challenger has more powerful engines than the AMG C-Class Coupe:

On the EPA test cycle the Challenger gets better mileage than the AMG C-Class Coupe:

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the Challenger 5.7/6.4 V8 Auto’s fuel efficiency. The AMG C-Class Coupe doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

The Challenger has 1.1 gallons more fuel capacity than the AMG C-Class Coupe (18.5 vs. 17.4 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

For better traction, the Challenger has larger standard tires than the AMG C-Class Coupe (235/55R18 vs. 225/45R18). The Challenger SRT Super Stock’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the AMG C-Class Coupe (315/40R18 vs. 255/40R18).

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Challenger offers optional 20-inch wheels. The AMG C-Class Coupe’s largest wheels are only 19-inches in the front and 20-inches in the rear.

The Challenger has a standard space-saver spare (not available on R/T Scat Pack/Hellcat/Super Stock) so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the AMG C-Class Coupe; it requires you to depend on its run-flat tires, which limits mileage and speed before they are repaired. If a run-flat is damaged beyond repair by a road hazard your vehicle will have to be towed. Some tire options on the AMG C-Class Coupe don’t have a run-flat feature, either.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Challenger’s wheelbase is 4.2 inches longer than on the AMG C-Class Coupe (116 inches vs. 111.8 inches).

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the Challenger is .6 inches wider in the front and 2.4 inches wider in the rear than the average track on the AMG C-Class Coupe.

Because it has more passenger and cargo room, the EPA rates the Challenger a Compact car, while the AMG C-Class Coupe is rated a Subcompact.

The Challenger has standard seating for 5 passengers; the AMG C-Class Coupe can only carry 4.

The Challenger has 14.4 cubic feet more passenger volume than the AMG C-Class Coupe (93.7 vs. 79.3).

The Challenger has .5 inches more front headroom, 3.7 inches more front shoulder room, 1.5 inches more rear headroom, 1.1 inches more rear legroom and 2.2 inches more rear shoulder room than the AMG C-Class Coupe.

The Challenger has a much larger trunk than the AMG C-Class Coupe (16.2 vs. 10.5 cubic feet).

The Challenger’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge - which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The AMG C-Class Coupe does not have an oil pressure gauge.

On extremely cold winter days, the Challenger’s optional heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the car heater warms up. The AMG C-Class Coupe doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

Insurance will cost less for the Challenger owner. The Car Book by Jack Gillis rates the Challenger with a number “1” insurance rate while the AMG C-Class Coupe is rated higher at a number “3” rate.

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the Challenger is less expensive to operate than the AMG C-Class Coupe because it costs $664 less to do the manufacturer’s suggested maintenance for 50,000 miles. Typical repairs cost much less on the Challenger than the AMG C-Class Coupe, including $414 less for a water pump, $262 less for a starter, $147 less for fuel injection, $114 less for a fuel pump and $160 less for front struts.

Consumer Reports® recommends both the Dodge Challenger and the Mercedes AMG C-Class Coupe, based on reliability, safety and performance.