Mercedes A180 vs A200: The 4 Differences & Which Is Best?
Mercedes has been making some of the best cars in the world for years.
But if you’re in the market for an A-Class, which one should you buy, the A180 or the A200?
Choosing between these can be difficult. Both cars are stylish, have great features, and provide mostly the same pros and cons.
So, what’s the difference between them?
The main difference between the Mercedes A180 and the A200 is that the A180 has a lower purchase price than the A200 and comes with a software-limited version of the A200’s engine, while the A200 is a bit more expensive and more powerful than the A180.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the differences between both cars and help you decide which one is right for you.
Read on to learn more!
4 Differences between the Mercedes A180 and A200
Let’s look at all the differences between a Mercedes A180 and an A200!
1. The engine
The most significant difference between the Mercedes A180 and A200 lies under the hood.
Both the Mercedes A180 and the A200 are equipped with the same 1.3-liter inline-four turbocharged petrol engines.
However, the A180’s engine is software-limited to produce 136 horsepower and 200 Nm, while the A200’s engine is unrestricted and produces 163 horsepower and 250 Nm (Source).
Here is an overview of the engines of the A180 and A200 and their performance:
| Mercedes | Engine | Power (PS) | Torque (Nm) | 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) | Top speed |
| A180 | 1.3-liter petrol | 136 | 200 | 8.8 seconds | 134 mph (215 km/h) |
| A200 | 1.3-liter petrol | 163 | 250 | 8.2 seconds | 140 mph (225 km/h) |
Reader’s tip: What Fuel Does The Mercedes A-Class Need? (95 Vs. 98 RON)
When I drove the A180 on the highway, it drove smoothly, but when overtaking, the A200’s extra horsepower was noticeable. That said, the A180 isn’t sluggish by any means.
To conclude, the Mercedes A200 has a more powerful engine that provides better acceleration and performance!
2. Wheel size
The next difference between the A180 and A200 is their wheel size, although this also depends on the specification of a particular A180 or A200.
The Mercedes A180 typically comes with 17-inch wheels as standard, while the Mercedes A200 is often equipped with 18-inch wheels.
The larger wheels on the A200 provide better aesthetics, making it the better choice for those who want a more sporty-looking vehicle.
However, the smaller wheels on the A180 provide a smoother ride and slightly better fuel economy, so it’s the better choice for those who prioritize comfort over performance.
3. Front-wheel-drive vs. all-wheel-drive
Next up is the difference in the cars’ powertrains.
The Mercedes A180 is always a front-wheel-drive (FWD) car.
In contrast, the Mercedes A200 has a variant that is equipped with Mercedes’ 4MATIC system, making it an all-wheel-drive car.
The 4MATIC system helps to improve traction in all kinds of weather conditions. That means you won’t struggle to get off the line, even in wet conditions!
As a result, the A200 4MATIC is the better choice for drivers who use their car in winter conditions and want the best possible performance.
4. The price tag
The last point on our list is the price tag.
The Mercedes A200 is positioned a bit higher than the A180 and, therefore, has a slightly higher price tag.
The exact difference depends from country to country. However, generally, the A200 is between $2,000 and $4,000 more expensive.
What is the best choice? (Mercedes A180 vs. A200)
Given the differences in price and features, the inevitable question arises: which one offers the best value for your money?
Ultimately, the Mercedes A180 and A200 are very similar, and it’s better to choose one based on the most well-equipped of the specific models you’re looking at.
If a well-specced Mercedes A180 and a basic A200 were for sale for the same price, we would always pick the A180. In this case, the A180 will have a more luxurious feel and still have sufficient power.
For example, the A180 may have ambient lighting or be equipped with Apple CarPlay, while the A200 won’t have those options.
Strictly speaking, the A200 is a slightly better car than the A180, but the question is if you want to pay extra for this marginal improvement.
However, in most cases, the Mercedes A180 is the better choice as it gives more value for your money.
And if you ever want to get the power of the A200 or more in your A180, you can always consider getting a RaceChip.
RaceChip is a company offering Plug & Drive tuning box systems for many car models. They can be installed by yourself without needing any specialist knowledge or tools.
In fact, it will only take 10 to 15 minutes, and when you buy a RaceChip, you’ll receive car model-specific installation instructions!
Using a RaceChip, you can give your Mercedes A180 a performance boost of up to 37 horsepower and 85 Nm:
And the best thing is, a RaceChip is much more affordable than the upgrade from an A180 to an A200. Plus, it comes with a comprehensive engine warranty.
You can check out RaceChip’s website here!
Conclusion
To conclude, the Mercedes A180 is the better choice for those looking for a more affordable car. It is cheaper than the A200, yet it still offers many of the same features.
The A200 is a better choice for those who prioritize performance. It has a more powerful engine and boasts a higher top speed.
However, if you’re looking at the used car market, it’s better to compare the car’s trim levels and optional packages. These will make a much bigger difference to the look and feel of your A-Class than whether it’s an A180 or A200.
Good luck with your choice!
More comparisons
Are you interested in other trims of the Mercedes A-Class? If so, take a look at our other comparison articles:
