Compare the2022 Audi RS 5VS 2021 Mercedes AMG C-Class Coupe

The RS 5’s standard pretensioning seatbelts also sense rear collisions and remove slack from the seatbelts to help protect the occupants from whiplash and other injuries. The AMG C-Class Coupe doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

The RS 5 has a standard Secondary Collision Brake Assist, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The AMG C-Class Coupe 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 provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, All-Wheel Drive is standard on the RS 5. But it costs extra on the AMG C-Class Coupe.

When descending a steep, off-road slope, the RS 5’s standard Hill Descent Control allows you to creep down safely. The AMG C-Class Coupe doesn’t offer Hill Descent Control.

The RS 5’s standard lane departure warning system alerts a temporarily inattentive driver when the vehicle begins to leave its lane. A lane departure warning system costs extra on the AMG C-Class Coupe.

Both the RS 5 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, available blind spot warning systems, around view monitors and rear cross-path warning.

The RS 5’s corrosion warranty is 7 years longer than the AMG C-Class Coupe’s (12 vs. 5 years).

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that Audi vehicles are more reliable than Mercedes vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Audi 6 places higher in reliability than Mercedes.

The RS 5’s 2.9 turbo V6 produces 59 more horsepower (444 vs. 385) and 58 lbs.-ft. more torque (442 vs. 384) than the AMG C 43 Coupe’s standard 3.0 turbo V6.

Regenerative brakes improve the RS 5’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The AMG C-Class Coupe doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

For better stopping power the RS 5’s standard brake rotors are larger than those on the AMG C-Class Coupe:

For better traction, the RS 5 has larger standard tires than the AMG C-Class Coupe (265/35R19 vs. 225/45R18). The RS 5’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the AMG C-Class Coupe (275/30R20 vs. 255/40R18).

The RS 5’s standard 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. The RS 5’s optional tires have a lower 30 series profile than the AMG C 63 S Coupe’s optional 35 series front tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the RS 5 has standard 19-inch wheels. Smaller 18-inch wheels are standard on the AMG C 63 Coupe. The RS 5’s optional 20-inch wheels are larger than the 19-inch front wheels and 20-inch rear wheels optional on the AMG C 63 S Coupe.

The RS 5 has 4.7 cubic feet more passenger volume than the AMG C-Class Coupe (84 vs. 79.3).

The RS 5 has .2 inches more front headroom, .3 inches more front shoulder room, .5 inches more rear headroom, .7 inches more rear legroom and 3.6 inches more rear shoulder room than the AMG C-Class Coupe.

The RS 5 has a much larger trunk than the AMG C-Class Coupe (13 vs. 10.5 cubic feet).

Pulling a handle automatically lowers the RS 5’s rear seats, to make changing between passengers and cargo easier. The AMG C-Class Coupe doesn’t offer automatic folding seats.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the RS 5 to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The AMG C-Class Coupe doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

In poor weather, headlights can lose their effectiveness as grime builds up on their lenses. This can reduce visibility without the driver realizing. The RS 5 has standard headlight washers to keep headlight output high. The AMG C-Class Coupe doesn’t offer headlight washers.

On extremely cold winter days, the RS 5’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.

The RS 5 has standard massaging front seats in order to maximize comfort and eliminate fatigue on long trips. Massaging seats aren’t available in the AMG C-Class Coupe.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Audi RS 5 has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. Wireless charging costs extra on the AMG C-Class Coupe.