Compare the2022 Audi TTVS 2021 Mercedes C-Class Coupe

The TT 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 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 TT. But it costs extra on the C-Class Coupe.

Both the TT and the 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, daytime running lights, blind spot warning systems and rearview cameras.

The TT’s corrosion warranty is 7 years longer than the 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 TTS’ standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 33 more horsepower (288 vs. 255) and 7 lbs.-ft. more torque (280 vs. 273) than the C-Class Coupe’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder. The TT RS Coupe’s standard 2.5 turbo 5-cylinder produces 139 more horsepower (394 vs. 255) and 81 lbs.-ft. more torque (354 vs. 273) than the C-Class Coupe’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder.

The TT has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The C-Class Coupe doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certifies the Audi TT at emission levels ranging from “Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle” (ULEV) to “Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle” (SULEV). The Mercedes C-Class Coupe is only certified to “Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle” (ULEV) standards.

The TT offers a standard sequential manual gearbox (SMG). With no clutch pedal to worry about and a fully automatic mode, an SMG is much more efficient than a conventional automatic but just as easy to drive. The C-Class Coupe doesn’t offer an SMG or a conventional manual transmission.

The TT RS’ 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 TT RS Coupe’s brake rotors are larger than those on the C-Class Coupe:

The TT RS offers optional heat-treated ceramic brake rotors, which last ten to twenty times as long as conventional cast iron rotors, don’t rust, don’t fade during repeated high speed braking, and their lighter weight contribute to better braking, handling and acceleration. The C-Class Coupe doesn’t offer ceramic brake rotors.

The TT stops shorter than the C-Class Coupe:

For better traction, the TT has larger standard tires than the C-Class Coupe (245/40R18 vs. 225/45R18). The TT’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the C-Class Coupe (255/30R20 vs. 225/40R19).

The TT 45 TSFI’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 40 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the C-Class Coupe’s standard 45 series front tires. The TT’s optional tires have a lower 30 series profile than the C-Class Coupe’s optional 40 series front and 35 series rear tires.

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

The TT offers an available 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.

The TT RS Coupe handles at 1.05 G’s, while the C 300 pulls only .91 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The TT RS Coupe executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 2.2 seconds quicker than the C 300 4MATIC (23.7 seconds @ .85 average G’s vs. 25.9 seconds @ .71 average G’s).

For better maneuverability, the TT’s turning circle is .7 feet tighter than the C 300’s (36.1 feet vs. 36.8 feet).

The Audi TT may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 300 to 350 pounds less than the Mercedes C-Class Coupe.

The TT is 1 foot, 7.5 inches shorter than the C-Class Coupe, making the TT easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The TT Coupe has a much larger trunk than the C-Class Coupe (12 vs. 10.5 cubic feet).

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

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

The TT will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the TT will retain 50.07% to 52.4% of its original price after five years, while the C-Class Coupe only retains 43.69% to 44.32%.

Consumer Reports® recommends both the Audi TT and the Mercedes C-Class Coupe, based on reliability, safety and performance.