Certified Benz & Beemer Compares 2014 Audi RS 5 VS 2014 Mercedes C63 Near Scottsdale, AZ

The RS 5 has all-wheel drive to maximize traction under poor conditions, especially in ice and snow. The C63 doesn’t offer all-wheel drive.

Both the RS 5 and the C63 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control and electronic stability systems to prevent skidding.

The RS 5’s corrosion warranty is 8 years and unlimited miles longer than the C63’s (12/unlimited vs. 4/50,000).

As tested in Motor Trend the Audi RS 5 is faster than the Mercedes C63 (base engine):

Regenerative brakes improve the RS 5’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The C63 doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

For better stopping power the RS 5’s front brake rotors are larger than those on the C63:

The RS 5 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 C63 doesn’t offer ceramic brake rotors.

The RS 5 stops shorter than the C63:

For better traction, the RS 5 has larger standard tires than the C63 (265/35R19 vs. 235/40R18). The RS 5’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the C63 (275/30R20 vs. 235/40R18).

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 C63’s standard 40 series front tires. The RS 5’s optional tires have a lower 30 series profile than the C63’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 C63. The RS 5’s optional 20-inch wheels are larger than the 19-inch wheels optional on the C63.

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the RS 5 is .6 inches wider in the front and 2.3 inches wider in the rear than on the C63.

The RS 5 Coupe handles at .96 G’s, while the C63 Coupe pulls only .91 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The RS 5 Coupe has 2.1 inches more front headroom, .3 inches more front shoulder room, .5 inches more rear headroom and 2.5 inches more rear shoulder room than the C63 Coupe.

The RS 5 Coupe has a larger trunk than the C63 Coupe (12.4 vs. 11.7 cubic feet).

The RS 5’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The C63’s manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

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 C63 doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

The RS 5 Cabriolet’s optional air conditioned front seats cool the driver and front passenger and help take the sting out of hot leather in Summer. The C63 doesn’t offer air conditioned front seats.

Insurance will cost less for the RS 5 owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the RS 5 will cost $360 to $4615 less than the C63 over a five-year period.

The RS 5 will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. Kiplinger’s estimates that the RS 5 will retain a greater percentage of its original price after three and five years than the C63.

Automobile performed a comparison test in its December 2012 issue and they ranked the Audi RS 5 Coupe higher than the Mercedes C63 Coupe.