Audi A4 DTM Edition. Price: $60,400. On sale: April 2007;
Mercedes-Benz C200 Kompressor. Price: from €34,100. On sale: March 2007.
2007 Audi A4 DTM
© Photo: Sergey Krestov, 5 Koleso
The arrival of the completely redesigned C-class from Mercedes-Benz caused a stir in the automotive world. How successful is the new model? Opinions are divided. But the final answer can only come from a direct comparison.
Mercedes-Benz C200
This is the freshest model in the premium segment of its class. The aggressive and unusual looks of the new C-class have attracted many new fans to the brand. Now there are queues for Mercedes-Benz too. The car has changed radically — both outside and inside, although the ergonomics remain the same.
Audi A4 DTM
Audi fans dreaming of S or RS versions can get closer to their goal by choosing the A4 in DTM Edition trim. Paying about $6,000 extra, the buyer gets a lot: a sporty body kit, a 200-hp engine, all-wheel drive, and S-line suspension. The limited production run adds special value to the car.
2007 Mercedes-Benz C200 Kompressor
© Photo: Sergey Krestov, 5 Koleso
It's hard to call the arrival of the new C-class a surprise for competitors, but ignoring the strengthening of the market by a strong player is impossible. The new model turned out to be successful. Its design blends features of flagship models like the CL and S with elements of the brand's previous style. The legendary wide radiator grille with a large three-pointed star in the center has returned.
However, rivals are not sitting idle. Audi has presented an interesting offer in this segment — the A4 with the DTM Edition sport package. The name is not chosen by chance. The car's appearance features details of real DTM race cars: air intakes in the bumpers, special headlights, carbon spoilers.
If you look at prices and trim levels, it might seem that they are far from direct competition. What do they have in common? Only the class and two-liter engines. The defeat of Mercedes-Benz seems obvious. But is that really the case?
2007 Audi A4 DTM
© Photo: Sergey Krestov, 5 Koleso
The price difference reaches about $15,000, and if you don't take into account Audi's all-wheel drive, it becomes smaller. The stated €34,500 for the Mercedes-Benz is only the base version. Considering additional options, the gap might even disappear.
The comparison of technical specifications is also not in favor of the new C-class. The Audi has an honest two liters with a turbo producing 200 hp. The "200" numbers on the trunk lid of the Mercedes-Benz are a deception; you shouldn't believe them. The real engine displacement is 1796 cc, and it's good that at least a supercharger is present. It would seem that here is a reason to count a defeat for Mercedes-Benz. With this scenario, especially considering Audi's all-wheel drive, the C200 should look like a "snail" against the tuned A4 DTM Edition. But the difference of 16 hp is not that big, as speed indicators confirm. Acceleration to 100 km/h differs by only 0.9 seconds: 7.7 for the Audi versus 8.6 for the Mercedes-Benz. Behind the wheel, this difference is almost impossible to feel. The top speed of both cars is the same — 235 km/h.
The biggest differences appear in handling. As speed increases, the steering wheel gets heavier in both, but in the Audi this is more pronounced. The Mercedes-Benz maintains a balance between comfort and safety, and the emerging forces only help maintain contact with the road. In the Audi, feedback is noticeably more informative, allowing you to understand exactly what is happening with the wheels at every moment.
2007 Audi A4 DTM
© Photo: Sergey Krestov, 5 Koleso
At high speeds, the Mercedes-Benz C200 is more pleasant to drive. It confidently holds the line, and the stability control system correctly and without unnecessary intervention corrects the driver's actions, allowing you to take corners at the limit of rear-axle slip — as fast and efficiently as possible. With the Audi, you need to be more careful, especially on asphalt. It is reluctant to turn in, and it doesn't hold the line perfectly. Understeer begins early, so it's better to slow down a bit before a corner. This behavior is largely explained by imperfect weight distribution: the engine hangs entirely over the front axle.
The suspensions of both cars have acceptable energy capacity. But the Mercedes-Benz's is more elastic. It's more likely to break through the suspension on the Audi. Moreover, despite the sporty S-Line tuning, the A4 is more prone to pitching. Even the aerodynamic body kit, which should press the car to the road more strongly, doesn't help.
The automatic transmissions in both cars will please any driver. Each has three modes: "drive," "sport," and manual. In "sport," the Mercedes-Benz is unhurried, no overloads are felt. The engine easily revs up to 7000 rpm, and acoustic comfort is practically undisturbed. To get real pleasure, you need to switch to manual mode. The automatic holds the revs in gear and doesn't shift when you lift off the throttle. Interestingly, when reaching the same 7000 rpm in manual mode, the gearbox shifts up by itself. But when slowing down, it doesn't downshift in reverse order — you have to do it manually. Is it convenient? Hard to say. You get used to it.
In the Audi, the fastest mode is "sport." Manual mode is useful if you need to quickly go through a series of sharp corners in one gear. In other cases, there's not much point in it. The Tiptronic quickly adapts to the driving style. A few sharp throttle blips and braking — and the response to the gas pedal increases many times over. Each acceleration is accompanied by the roar of the tuned exhaust system, which starts to rumble from 2500–3000 rpm.
2007 Mercedes-Benz C200 Kompressor
© Photo: Sergey Krestov, 5 Koleso
Inside, the Audi is more sporty, while the Mercedes-Benz is more comfortable. The seats in the A4 are from Recaro, they are part of the DTM Edition package and have excellent lateral support. Mercedes-Benz offers seats that are more like comfortable home armchairs. Even in sport versions of this brand, seats don't always boast good lateral support, let alone civilian models.
But what disappoints most in the new Mercedes-Benz is the quality of the trim materials. There are many aluminum inserts on the doors and front console, but the plastic is cheap. Even in the Audi's interior, which is no longer considered the most fashionable, the materials are much nicer and softer to the touch.
Despite similar technical characteristics and the same class, these cars represent different directions. Audi is a sporty association, while Mercedes-Benz is club pursuits.
Mercedes-Benz C200 Compressor €34,100
Driving
Steering, automatic transmission, suspension — everything allows you to perfectly feel the line.
Interior
The interior disappointed with the quality of the materials used.
Comfort
Every passenger can sit comfortably. In the back, there's enough space even for three.
Safety
In addition to the main safety systems, there is the Adaptive Brake system.
Price
The new attractive appearance largely justifies the hype around these not-cheap cars.
Audi A4 DTM $60,400
Driving
The sportiness of the DTM Edition is undeniable. You just need to know how to use it.
Interior
The trim materials are pleasant to the touch. Many carbon inserts add a sporty element.
Comfort
Given the sporty nature of the car, comfort has been somewhat sacrificed: you'll have to get used to the stiff suspension.
Safety
Many airbags and systems guard safety.
Price
For this money, the buyer gets a limited series with a true sporty character.
The DTM Edition package for the A4 is reasonably priced, but in the end, the price still turns out to be inflated.
Our opinion
Despite the fact that the Audi is equipped with all-wheel drive, the cars are very close in technical parameters. However, they are designed for completely different buyers. If you want flashy looks and a feeling of flying behind the wheel, then the Audi A4 in the exclusive DTM Edition is clearly the choice. And for calm trips with rare high-speed excursions on highways, the fresh Mercedes-Benz model is better suited. Although the A4 is quicker, it's unlikely to overshadow the "Mercedes" charisma and nobility.