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Mercedes-Benz C-Class: General Specifications (C300 vs C400) w205

Are you trying to decide whether the C300 or C400 Mercedes is the right fit for you? This article compares the two models and gives you everything you need to know to make the right decision.

By Bart Kempff - September 16, 2015

This article applies to the Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300 and C400 (2014-present).

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class, both the C300 and C400, are excellent entry level vehicles for the Mercedes-Benz family. The C-Class offers both the high performance driving capability that you will find on higher priced Mercedes-Benz vehicles, and it also gives you the standard specifications that provide both safety and luxury that you expect to find on any Mercedes-Benz.

The biggest difference between the C300 and C400, other than price, is under the hood. The C300 comes with a two-liter turbocharged engine that has 241 horsepower and 273 pound/feet of torque. The C400, on the other hand, uses a three-liter turbo V6 engine with 329 horsepower and 350 pound/feet of torque.

Even though the C400 has more strength and power, depending on your driving preferences, either vehicle may be a great fit for you. Many drivers of the C300 report a lighter feel from the vehicle, meaning that it is easier to manage on winding roads. You will also find a sportier around town vibe. The C400, on the other hand, feels more like an E-class as you are able to experience quick starts with lots of power when needed. Test drivers for both vehicles have found the engines to be exceedingly quiet and the interior very comfortable.

With the exception of the engine packages, the specifications in both the C300 and C400 are fairly similar. The C400 does offer some additional standard accessories that you will not find in the C300, and the C300 offers a luxury package that you cannot get in the C400.

C300 vs C400 Specifications

2015 C300 Sedan (base model)
2015 C400 4MATC Sedan (base model)
Key Features
  • MSRP: $38,400
  • Engine 2.0L turbo-4
  • Transmission: 7-speed automatic w/ shift paddles
  • Passenger Capacity: 5
  • ECO start/stop
  • AGILITY SELECT
  • LED headlamps and tail lamps
  • 14-way power driver seat w/ memory
  • Touchpad controller
  • 9-way air bag protection
  • Curb weight (RWD): 3,417 lbs
  • Curb weight (4MATIC): 3,594 lbs
  • MSRP: $48,590
  • Engine 3.0L biturbo V-6
  • Transmission: 7-speed automatic w/ shift paddles
  • Drive configuration: 4MATIC all-wheel drive
  • Sport-tuned suspension
  • Passenger Capacity: 5
  • ECO start/stop
  • AGILITY SELECT
  • LED headlamps and tail lamps
  • 14-way power driver seat w/ memory
  • Touchpad controller
  • Topstitched MB-Tex upper dash trim
  • Sport interior and steering wheel
  • Open-pore black as wood trim
  • AMG bodystyling
  • 9-way air bag protection
  • Curb weight (4MATIC): 3,693 lbs
Interior Dimensions
  • Headroom (front): 37.1 in
  • Legroom (front): 41.7 in
  • Headroom (rear): 37.1 in
  • Legroom (rear): 35.2 in
  • Trunk capacity: 12.6 cu ft
  • Headroom (front): 37.1 in
  • Legroom (front): 41.7
  • Headroom (rear): 37.1
  • Legroom (rear): 35.2
  • Trunk capacity: 12.6 cu ft
Engine
  • Net power: 241 hp @ 5,550 rpm
  • Net torque: 273 ft lbs @ 1,300-4,000 rpm
  • Compression ratio: 9.8:1
  • Construction: Diecast alloy block and head
  • Acceleration (0-60 mph): 6.2 sec
  • Net power: 329 hp @ 5,250-6,000 rpm
  • Net torque: 354 lb-ft @ 1,600-4,000 rpm
  • Compression ratio: 9.8:1
  • Construction: Diecast alloy block and head
  • Acceleration (0-60 mph): 5.2 sec
Fuel Economy
  • Fuel requirement: Premium unleaded gasoline
  • Fuel capacity: 18 gallons
  • City estimate: 25 mpg
  • Highway estimate: 34 mpg
  • Fuel requirement: Premium unleaded gasoline
  • Fuel capacity: 18 gallons
  • City estimate: 21 mpg
  • Highway estimate: 29 mpg
Wheels / Tires
  • Wheelbase: 111.8 in
  • Wheels:17 multi-spoke
  • Tires: 225/50R17 (all-season)
  • Wheelbase: 111.8 in
  • Wheels: 18 multi-spoke
  • Tires (front): 225/45R18 (high-performance)
  • tires (rear): 245/40R18 (high-performance)
Available Packages
  • Premium
  • Luxury
  • Sport
  • Multimedia
  • Driver Assistance
  • Lighting
  • AIRMATIC suspension
  • HANDS-FREE ACCESS
  • Premium
  • Sport
  • Multimedia
  • Driver Assistance
  • Lighting
  • Air Balance
  • AIRMATIC suspension
  • HANDS-FREE ACCESS ACCESS

C300

The C300 might not have the power, speed, or torque of the C400, but it is more economical and still provides a fun and sporty experience. The 4 cylinder in the C300 is not quite as smooth as the V6 in the C400, but both cars provide a quiet cruising experience. Some don't like the drone of the smaller motor, especially at highway speeds and under acceleration. On the plus side, the lighter weight of the C300 means that it feels more agile going around corners, which adds to the fun factor.

Figure 1.C300 Interior.

If price is a concern for you, or you don't think that the 28% gain in horsepower is worth $10,000, then the C300 might just be your car. This would also mean that you don't absolutely have to have the available features that the C400 provides. But on the downside, the C400 comes standard with some features that are optional on the C400, so you will definitely want to price out the ones you want before making a decision. You might find that it is cheaper to go with the C400 if there are certain option packages that you must have.

C400

The C400 comes better equipped with standard features and it provides a big boost in power, but does so at a price. Still, many simply don't like the noise and lack of low end torque that 4 cylinder engines are notorious for. The V6 in the C400 is a much smoother running engine that has a much more pleasant exhaust tone under acceleration. It's also faster off the line thanks to having more torque available at lower RPM's. Power delivery is also much more linear, whereas the 4 cylinder has a bit of turbo lag. And rarely do people regret buying the car with the bigger engine, of course.

Figure 2.C400 Interior.

Because of the added weight of the C400, it isn't quite as nimble but still handles the corners well. The handling feels a little dull compared to the nimble C300, which is to be expected. Reviews of the C400 oftentimes categorize it as a little soft, but in a good way. But despite its weight, the C400 is fast. It thrives on the interstate, where it is quiet, comfortable, and has plenty of passing power on tap. And with a number of high dollar options available, the C400 can be made to come as close to a baby S-Class as you can ever get.

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