Compare the2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLIVS 2024 Mercedes AMG C-Class Sedan

The Jetta GLI 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 C-Class Sedan 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.

The Jetta GLI’s 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. The AMG C-Class Sedan doesn’t offer a lane departure warning system.

Both the Jetta GLI and the AMG C-Class Sedan have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras and rear cross-path warning.

The Jetta GLI’s corrosion warranty is 2 years longer than the AMG C-Class Sedan’s (7 vs. 5 years).

Volkswagen pays for scheduled maintenance on the Jetta GLI for 2 years and 20,000 miles. Volkswagen will pay for oil changes, tire rotations, air filter replacements, brake fluid replacement, inspections, and any other required maintenance. Mercedes doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the AMG C-Class Sedan.

There are over 68 percent more Volkswagen dealers than there are Mercedes dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Jetta GLI’s warranty.

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

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2024 Auto Issue reports that Volkswagen vehicles are more reliable than Mercedes vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Volkswagen 2 places higher in reliability than Mercedes.

On the EPA test cycle the Jetta GLI gets better mileage than the AMG C-Class Sedan running its gasoline engine:

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Volkswagen Jetta GLI uses regular unleaded gasoline (premium recommended for maximum performance). The AMG C-Class Sedan requires premium, which can cost on average about 84.9 cents more per gallon.

The Jetta GLI handles at .95 G’s, while the AMG C 43 pulls only .92 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

For better maneuverability, the Jetta GLI’s turning circle is 3.5 feet tighter than the AMG C-Class Sedan’s (35.8 feet vs. 39.3 feet).

The Volkswagen Jetta GLI may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 850 to 1450 pounds less than the Mercedes AMG C-Class Sedan.

As tested by Car and Driver while under full throttle, the interior of the Jetta GLI Autobahn is quieter than the AMG C 63 S E (77 vs. 78 dB).

The Jetta GLI has a much larger trunk than the AMG C-Class Sedan (14.1 vs. 12.6 cubic feet).

The Jetta GLI 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 C-Class Sedan.

The Volkswagen Jetta outsold the Mercedes C-Class by 45% during 2023.