Compare the2022 Volkswagen Golf RVS 2021 Mercedes AMG A-Class

For enhanced safety, the front seat shoulder belts of the Volkswagen Golf R are height-adjustable to accommodate a wide variety of driver and passenger heights. A better fit can prevent injuries and the increased comfort also encourages passengers to buckle up. The Mercedes AMG A-Class doesn’t offer height-adjustable seat belts.

The Golf R has a standard Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The AMG A-Class 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.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The Golf R has standard Maneuver Braking that uses rear sensors to monitor and automatically apply the brakes to prevent a rear collision. The AMG A-Class doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

The Golf R’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 A-Class.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the Golf R’s standard rear cross-path warning system uses sensors in the rear bumper to alert the driver to vehicles approaching from the side, helping the driver avoid collisions. The AMG A-Class doesn’t offer a cross-path warning system.

Both the Golf R and the AMG A-Class have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, all wheel drive, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras and driver alert monitors.

For its top level performance in IIHS driver and passenger-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, side impact, roof strength and head restraint tests, its standard vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention system, its standard vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention system, and its standard headlight’s “Acceptable” rating, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the Golf R its highest rating: “Top Safety Pick Plus” for 2022, a rating granted to only 81 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The AMG A-Class has not been tested, yet.

The Golf R’s corrosion warranty is 2 years longer than the AMG A-Class’ (7 vs. 5 years).

Volkswagen pays for scheduled maintenance on the Golf R for 2 years and 20,000 miles. Volkswagen will pay for oil changes, lubrication and any other required maintenance. Mercedes doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the AMG A-Class.

There are over 66 percent more Volkswagen dealers than there are Mercedes dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Golf R’s warranty.

The Volkswagen Golf R’s engines use a cast iron block for durability, while the AMG A-Class’ engine uses an aluminum block. Aluminum engine blocks are much more prone to warp and crack at high temperatures than cast iron.

The Golf R Manual’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 13 more horsepower (315 vs. 302) than the AMG A-Class’ 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder. The Golf R DSG’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 13 more horsepower (315 vs. 302) than the AMG A-Class’ 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder.

As tested in Car and Driver the Golf R DSG is faster than the Mercedes AMG A-Class (automatics tested):

On the EPA test cycle the Golf R DSG gets better fuel mileage than the AMG A 35 (23 city/30 hwy vs. 22 city/29 hwy).

The Golf R has 1 gallon more fuel capacity than the AMG A 35 (14.5 vs. 13.5 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Volkswagen Golf R uses regular unleaded gasoline (premium recommended for maximum performance). The AMG A-Class requires premium, which can cost 20 to 55 cents more per gallon.

For better stopping power the Golf R’s front brake rotors are larger than those on the AMG A-Class:

The Golf R stops much shorter than the AMG A-Class:

The Golf R’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 A-Class’ standard 40 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Golf R has standard 19-inch wheels. Smaller 18-inch wheels are standard on the AMG A-Class.

The Golf R 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 A-Class; 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 A-Class don’t have a run-flat feature, either.

The Golf R is 10.5 inches shorter than the AMG A-Class, making the Golf R easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

As tested by Car and Driver, the interior of the Golf R is quieter than the AMG A 35:

The Golf R has .8 inches more front shoulder room, .9 inches more rear headroom and 1.1 inches more rear legroom than the AMG A-Class.

The Golf R’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 A-Class does not have an oil pressure gauge.

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

To improve rear visibility by keeping the rear window clear, the Golf R has a standard rear wiper. The AMG A-Class doesn’t offer a rear wiper.

To shield the driver and front passenger’s vision over a larger portion of the windshield and side windows, the Golf R has standard extendable sun visors. The AMG A-Class doesn’t offer extendable visors.

The Golf R has standard heated front seats. Heated front seats cost extra on the AMG A-Class. The Golf R also has standard heated rear seats to keep those passengers extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated rear seats aren’t available in the AMG A-Class.

The Golf R has a standard heated steering wheel to take the chill out of steering on extremely cold winter days before the car heater warms up. A heated steering wheel costs extra on the AMG A-Class.

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

The Golf R was chosen as one of Car and Driver’s “Top Ten” for 15 of the last 16 years. The AMG A-Class has never been a Car and Driver “Top Ten” pick.

Motor Trend selected the Golf R as their 2015 Car of the Year. The AMG A-Class has never been chosen.

The Golf R was chosen as one of Automobile Magazine’s “All Stars” for 5 of the last 15 years. The AMG A-Class has never been an “All Star.”

The Volkswagen Golf/GTI outsold the Mercedes A-Class by 26% during the 2021 model year.