Compare the2022 Lexus RC FVS 2021 Mercedes AMG C-Class Coupe

The RC F’s standard lane departure warning system alerts a temporarily inattentive driver when the vehicle begins to leave its lane and gently nudges the vehicle back towards its lane. A lane departure warning system costs extra on the AMG C-Class Coupe.

Both the RC F and the AMG C-Class Coupe have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, rearview cameras, driver alert monitors, available blind spot warning systems, rear parking sensors and rear cross-path warning.

For its top level performance in all IIHS frontal, side, rear impact and roof-crush tests, and with its optional front crash prevention system, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the RC F the rating of “Top Pick” for 2017, a rating granted to only 205 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The AMG C-Class Coupe has not been tested, yet.

Lexus’ powertrain warranty covers the RC F 2 years and 20,000 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 6 years or 70,000 miles. Coverage on the AMG C-Class Coupe ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

The RC F’s corrosion warranty is 1 year longer than the AMG C-Class Coupe’s (6 vs. 5 years).

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 RC F’s reliability 25 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 Lexus vehicles are better in initial quality than Mercedes vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Lexus third in initial quality, above the industry average. With 49 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mercedes is ranked 25th, below the industry average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Mercedes vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Lexus first in reliability, above the industry average. With 41 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mercedes is ranked 15th.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Mercedes vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Lexus third in reliability. Mercedes is ranked 20th.

The RC F’s 5.0 DOHC V8 produces 87 more horsepower (472 vs. 385) and 11 lbs.-ft. more torque (395 vs. 384) than the AMG C 43 Coupe’s standard 3.0 turbo V6. The RC F’s 5.0 DOHC V8 produces 3 more horsepower (472 vs. 469) than the AMG C 63 Coupe’s standard 4.0 turbo V8.

For better stopping power the RC F’s standard brake rotors are larger than those on the AMG C-Class Coupe:

For better traction, the RC F has larger tires than the AMG C-Class Coupe (F:255/35R19 & R:275/35R19 vs. F:225/45R18 & R:245/40R18).

The RC F’s tires provide better handling because they have a lower 35 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the AMG C 43 Coupe’s standard 45 series front and 40 series rear tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the RC F has standard 19-inch wheels. Smaller 18-inch wheels are standard on the AMG C 63 Coupe.

The RC F has a standard space-saver spare tire 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 better maneuverability, the RC F’s turning circle is 1.7 feet tighter than the AMG C 63 Coupe’s (35.4 feet vs. 37.1 feet). The RC F’s turning circle is 3 feet tighter than the AMG C 43 Coupe’s (35.4 feet vs. 38.4 feet).

The RC F uses computer-generated active noise cancellation to help remove annoying noise and vibration from the passenger compartment, especially at low frequencies. The AMG C-Class Coupe doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Lexus service is better than Mercedes. J.D. Power ranks Lexus second in service department satisfaction. With a 28% lower rating, Mercedes is ranked 6th.

The RC F’s standard power windows have a locking feature to keep children from operating them, but the driver can still raise and lower both of them with the lock engaged. Mercedes does not offer a locking feature on the AMG C-Class Coupe’s standard power windows.

On extremely cold winter days, the RC F’s optional (except Fuji Speedway Edition) 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.