VS
At a Glance
Power
245 kW
162 kW
Torque
420 Nm
440 Nm
Fuel
7.8 l/100km
4.7 l/100km
Towing
—
1800 Kg
0-100 km/h
4.7 s
7.3 s
Engine
1984 cc
1993 cc
Choosing between the Audi S3 and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Audi S3 delivers 245 kW while the Mercedes-Benz C-Class produces 162 kW. On fuel, the S3 returns 7.8 l/100km while the C-Class uses 4.7 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 106 100 for the S3 and R1 066 791 for the C-Class. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
245 kW
162 kW
Torque
420 Nm
440 Nm
0-100 kph
4.7 s
7.3 s
Top Speed
250 Km/h
245 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1984 cc
1993 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
diesel
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
7
9
Drive Wheels
all
rear
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.8 l/100km
4.7 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
55 l
66 l
CO2 Emissions
181 g/km
118 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4504 mm
4751 mm
Width
1816-1984 mm
1820-2033 mm
Height
1415 mm
1437 mm
Wheelbase
2630 mm
2865 mm
Kerb Weight
1495 Kg
1755 Kg
Doors
4
4
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
325 l
455 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
1800 Kg
Load Capacity
—
625 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6 (opt 8)
7 (opt 9)
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
Optional
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
Optional
Optional
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
Optional
Heated Seats
Optional
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
Optional
Optional
Tow Bar
—
Optional
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
1
2
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
unlimited Km
Service Intervals
service interval indicator (max 30000)
service interval indicator
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
3 / 4 categories
Performance
S3
Fuel Economy
C-Class
Value
C-Class
Practicality
C-Class
Pros & Cons
Audi S3
More powerful engine (245 kW)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.7 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (7.8 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Better fuel economy (4.7 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R1 066 791)
Less power than rival (162 kW vs 245 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the S3 or C-Class?
The S3 uses 7.8 l/100km and the C-Class uses 4.7 l/100km on the combined cycle. The C-Class is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the S3 or C-Class?
The S3 produces 245 kW and 420 Nm of torque while the C-Class delivers 162 kW and 440 Nm of torque. The S3 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the S3 and C-Class?
The S3 starts from R1 106 100 and the C-Class from R1 066 791. The C-Class is cheaper by R39 309 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the S3 or C-Class?
The S3 has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the C-Class can tow 1800 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the S3 or the C-Class?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.