2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs. 2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI | NewCars.com

2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs. 2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI Review

Picture of the 2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

2023 Mercedes-Benz
C-Class

MSRP*: $49,550 to $51,550
See details & photos

Find Your Best Price Today!

Picture of the 2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI

2023 Volkswagen
Golf GTI

MSRP*: $33,055 to $33,855
See details & photos

Find Your Best Price Today!

MPG - City 22 MPG 23 - 24 MPG
MPG - Hwy 31 MPG 32 - 34 MPG
Seating Capacity 4 seats 5 seats
Cargo Space Info not available Info not available
Engine
  • 255-hp, 2.0-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
  • 241-hp, 2.0-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
Transmission Automatic Automatic, Manual
Drivetrain All Wheel Drive, Rear Wheel Drive Front Wheel Drive
Horsepower 255 hp 241 hp
Exterior Length 184.5 in 168.8 in
Exterior Width 71.3 in 70.4 in
Leg Room Front 42.0 in
Rear 32.0 in
Front 41.2 in
Rear 35.0 in
Head Room Front 38.8 in
Rear 35.6 in
Front 38.5 in
Rear 38.1 in

*MSRP and Invoice prices displayed are for educational purposes only, do not reflect the actual selling price of a particular vehicle, and do not include applicable gas taxes or destination charges.

Comparison Review

Comfort
Passengers in the back seat will be able to stretch out a lot more in the Volkswagen Golf GTI than the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, due to its greater head- and legroom. Offering just a little more front head- and legroom than the Volkswagen Golf GTI, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class may be a little roomier and more comfortable for the driver and front seat passengers.

Convenience
With the Mercedes-Benz C-Class you will definitely be making fewer stops at the gas station than with the Volkswagen Golf GTI, due to its larger tank size and better fuel economy.

Cost
There are a lot of factors to consider when calculating the overall cost of a vehicle. The main consideration is Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). The Mercedes-Benz C-Class will definitely make more of a dent in your wallet than the Volkswagen Golf GTI, which has a much lower MSRP.

Dimensions
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a little wider than the Volkswagen Golf GTI, so getting in and out of the car in a crowded parking lot may be a little more of a squeeze. If you go with the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, you may be circling the block looking for a space large enough to park more often than with the Volkswagen Golf GTI.

Handling
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class has a larger turning radius than the Volkswagen Golf GTI, making it slightly more difficult to maneuver in and out of tight spots.

Performance
When it comes to horsepower, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class is somewhat more powerful than the Volkswagen Golf GTI.

Powertrain
With similar torque, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and the Volkswagen Golf GTI do an equal job of transmitting their engine's power to their wheels.

Utility
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class has less seating than the Volkswagen Golf GTI, making the Volkswagen Golf GTI the better choice if you need to chauffeur many passengers.