Certified Benz & Beemer Compares 2014 Audi TT VS 2014 Mercedes C-Class Near Phoenix, AZ

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 knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control and electronic stability systems to prevent skidding.

The TT’s corrosion warranty is 8 years and unlimited miles longer than the C-Class Coupe’s (12/unlimited vs. 4/50,000).

The Audi TT’s engines use a cast iron block for durability, while the C-Class Coupe’s engines use an aluminum block. Aluminum engine blocks are much more prone to warp and crack at high temperatures than cast iron.

The TT 2.0T’s standard 2.0 turbo 4 cyl. produces 10 more horsepower (211 vs. 201) and 29 lbs.-ft. more torque (258 vs. 229) than the C250 Coupe’s standard 1.8 turbo 4 cyl.

As tested in Motor Trend the TTS is faster than the C350 Coupe :

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

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

The TT’s brakes have 9% more swept area (the area covered by the brake pads) than the C-Class Coupe (586 vs. 537 square inches), so the TT has more braking power available.

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. 225/45R17). The TT’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the C-Class Coupe (255/35R19 vs. 225/40R18).

The TT’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 35 series profile than the C-Class Coupe’s optional 40 series front tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the TT has standard 18-inch wheels. Smaller 17-inch wheels are standard on the C-Class Coupe. The TT’s optional 19-inch wheels are larger than the 18-inch wheels optional on the C-Class Coupe.

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires optional on the TT can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The C-Class Coupe doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

The TT’s drift compensation steering can automatically compensate for road conditions which would cause the vehicle to drift from side to side, helping the driver to keep the vehicle straight more easily. The C-Class Coupe doesn’t offer drift compensation steering.

The Audi TT may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 250 to 350 pounds less than the Mercedes C-Class Coupe.

The TT is 1 foot, 3.4 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 with its rear seat up than the C-Class Coupe (13.1 vs. 11.7 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.

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

Intellichoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the Audi TT will be $1372 to $7579 less than for the Mercedes C-Class Coupe.

Intellichoice recognized the Audi TT as a “Best Overall Value of the Year” for the 2013 model year.