Compare the2022 Dodge ChallengerVS 2021 Mercedes 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 C-Class Coupe doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

Both the Challenger and the C-Class Coupe have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, plastic fuel tanks, 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 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 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.

To reliably power the ignition and other systems and to recharge the battery, the Challenger has a standard 160-amp alternator (180-amp - Challenger optional and 220 392/Hellcat). The C-Class Coupe’s 150-amp alternator isn’t as powerful.

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 26 points higher than the 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’s standard 3.6 DOHC V6 produces 48 more horsepower (303 vs. 255) than the C-Class Coupe’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder. The Challenger R/T automatic’s standard 5.7 V8 produces 117 more horsepower (372 vs. 255) and 127 lbs.-ft. more torque (400 vs. 273) than the C-Class Coupe’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder. The Challenger R/T manual’s standard 5.7 V8 produces 120 more horsepower (375 vs. 255) and 137 lbs.-ft. more torque (410 vs. 273) than the C-Class Coupe’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder. The Challenger R/T Scat Pack’s standard 6.4 V8 produces 230 more horsepower (485 vs. 255) and 202 lbs.-ft. more torque (475 vs. 273) than the C-Class Coupe’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder. The Challenger SRT Super Stock’s standard 6.2 supercharged V8 produces 552 more horsepower (807 vs. 255) and 434 lbs.-ft. more torque (707 vs. 273) than the C-Class Coupe’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder.

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 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 C-Class Coupe (18.5 vs. 17.4 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

The Challenger offers a manual transmission for better acceleration, control and sportiness. The C-Class Coupe doesn’t offer a manual transmission.

The Challenger R/T Scat Pack/Hellcat/Super Stock’s launch control uses engine electronics to hold engine RPM’s precisely in order to provide the most stable and rapid acceleration possible, using all of the available traction. The C-Class Coupe doesn’t offer launch control.

For better stopping power the Challenger Hellcat/Redeye’s brake rotors are larger than those on the C-Class Coupe:

The Challenger stops shorter than the C-Class Coupe:

For better traction, the Challenger has larger standard tires than the C-Class Coupe (235/55R18 vs. 225/45R18). The Challenger SRT Super Stock’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the C-Class Coupe (315/40R18 vs. 225/40R19).

The Challenger Widebody’s tires provide better handling because they have a lower 35 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the C-Class Coupe’s optional 40 series front tires.

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

The Challenger offers an optional driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads. The C-Class Coupe’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Challenger’s wheelbase is 4.2 inches longer than on the 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 2.6 inches wider in the front and 3.3 inches wider in the rear than the track on the C-Class Coupe.

The SRT Hellcat Redeye handles at .98 G’s, while the C 300 pulls only .91 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The SRT Widebody Hellcat Redeye executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.6 seconds quicker than the C 300 4MATIC (24.3 seconds @ .82 average G’s vs. 25.9 seconds @ .71 average G’s).

To almost totally eliminate engine vibration in the passenger area, the Challenger has liquid-filled engine mounts. The liquid helps further dampen engine harshness. The C-Class Coupe uses conventional solid rubber engine mounts.

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

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

The Challenger has 14.4 cubic feet more passenger volume than the 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 C-Class Coupe.

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

The Challenger has a 1000 lbs. towing capacity. The C-Class Coupe has no towing capacity.

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 C-Class Coupe does not have an oil pressure gauge.

The Challenger has a standard center folding armrest for the rear passengers. A center armrest helps make rear passengers more comfortable and it can provide a boundary between children. The C-Class Coupe doesn’t offer a rear seat center armrest.

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 C-Class Coupe is rated higher at a number “3” rate.

The Challenger will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the Challenger will retain 48.56% to 60.44% of its original price after five years, while the C-Class Coupe only retains 42.05% to 42.45%.

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the Challenger is less expensive to operate than the 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 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 C-Class Coupe, based on reliability, safety and performance.