What are the differences between the Mercedes-Benz E300 and Audi A6?
3 Answers
Differences between the Mercedes-Benz E300 and Audi A6: 1. Performance-wise: The Audi A6 is slightly better, while the Mercedes-Benz E300 lags behind. The Audi A6 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in approximately 8.2 seconds, whereas the similarly configured Mercedes-Benz E300 takes about 8.78 seconds. However, among these non-high-end models, the Audi A6 is the more affordable option. 2. Comfort-wise: The Mercedes-Benz E300 has a heavier steering wheel with precise handling and a stiffer suspension. The Audi A6 features a lighter steering wheel and a softer suspension. The A6 has a more pronounced plastic feel and firmer seatbacks. The E300 is noisier during cold starts and exhibits noticeable gear shifts between 2nd and 3rd when accelerating aggressively with a heavy throttle.
Last time I accompanied a friend to test drive two cars. The Mercedes-Benz E300 felt like it had an exceptionally soft chassis, gliding over speed bumps as comfortably as riding on a boat, but the steering wheel was a bit too light and floaty. The Audi A6's suspension was much firmer, allowing you to feel the road conditions even when going over manhole covers, and the steering was more precise. In terms of interior, the E300's brown leather with wood trim looked luxurious, while the A6's three large screens offered a strong tech vibe but were prone to fingerprints. I personally prefer Audi's quattro all-wheel drive—it feels especially stable when turning on rainy days, whereas the rear-wheel-drive Mercedes tends to fishtail. Maintenance-wise, there isn’t much difference between the two, though Audi parts are slightly easier to find. For city commuting, the Mercedes offers a more relaxed ride, but for frequent highway driving, the Audi provides more peace of mind.
Having driven an E300 for three years and an A6 for two years, the most noticeable difference lies in the throttle response. The Mercedes requires a deeper press to get going, with the turbo kicking in a bit slower, but once up to speed, it's very smooth. The Audi's dual-clutch transmission shifts lightning fast, allowing you to pull half a car length ahead at traffic lights. In terms of space, the Audi's rear seats are more spacious, while the Mercedes' rear seat cushions are shorter, offering less thigh support. The brand personalities also differ significantly: Mercedes salespeople love to chat about leather origins, while Audi sales reps always highlight how the laser headlights can illuminate up to 600 meters. On the maintenance front, replacing a sensor in a Mercedes costs 5,000, whereas Audi gets it done for 3,800. Choose the Mercedes for business receptions, but go for the Audi if it's just for yourself.
