Mercedes C300 vs. C350: The 6 Differences & Which Is Best?
If you dream about driving a Mercedes-Benz, you’re in for a treat.
Today, we’re diving into the difference between two siblings: the Mercedes C300 and C350 from the iconic W204 generation.
The main difference between the Mercedes C300 and C350 is that the C300 has a 3.0-liter engine with 228 horsepower, while the C350 has a 3.5-liter engine with 268 horsepower.
Ready to explore more? Let’s go!
6 Differences between the Mercedes C300 and C350
Ready to put the Mercedes C300 and C350 head-to-head?
Here are all the differences between them!
1. Engine
Let’s with the heart of any car: the engine.
Here is an overview of the engines of the C300 and C350 and their performance:
| Mercedes | Engine | Power (hp) | Torque (lb-ft) | 0 to 62 mph | Top speed |
| C300 | 3.0-liter V6 | 228 | 221 | 6.5 seconds | 151 mph |
| C350 | 3.5-liter V6 | 268 | 258 | 5.6 seconds | 155 mph |
The Mercedes C300 is equipped with a 3.0-liter V6 engine. It puts out a neat 228 horsepower and delivers a torque of 221 lb-ft. In simple terms, it’s got plenty of get-up-and-go for your daily drives and weekend adventures.
Now, the C350 has a larger 3.5-liter V6 engine. And with size comes power. The C350 offers an impressive 268 horsepower and a torque of 258 lb-ft.
So, in the engine department, the C350 has an edge in raw power compared to the C300!
2. Fuel economy
Let’s talk about something every driver keeps an eye on: fuel economy.
The C300 is a bit friendlier on your wallet when it comes to fuel consumption. It’s rated at 21 MPG combined. This means, on average, for every gallon of gas you pour into the C300, you can expect to cover 21 miles.
On the flip side, the C350 clocks in at 20 MPG combined. Now, you might think, “It’s just 1 MPG less, what’s the big deal?” Well, it might not be a deal breaker, but it’s good to know, especially if you’re keeping a close eye on your monthly expenses.
Reader’s tip: Mercedes C-Class: Regular Or Premium Gas? (2024 Guidelines)
3. Suspension and brakes
Suspension and brakes might not be the first thing you think about when looking at a car, but they’re like the unsung heroes of your driving experience.
The C350 has had some tweaks in its suspension settings over the C300. As a result, it’s a little bit sportier, which is great for those spirited drives on winding roads.
Now, let’s talk brakes.
The Mercedes C300 has front brakes that measure 11.6 inches in diameter, while the C350 has upgraded front brakes that measure 12.7 inches.
That extra inch? It’s not just for show. It translates to even quicker, more precise stops!
4. Features
The next difference lies in the additional features you can get.
Here is a list of features that are available on the Mercedes C350 but not on the C300:
- A panoramic sunroof.
- Birdseye maple trim.
- AMG rear spoiler lip.
- 10-Position power memory driver seat (compared to 8 positions in the C300).
While the C300 offers a fantastic driving environment, the C350 takes it up a level, adding some extra luxury!
5. Wheels
Wheels! They’re not just about moving the car forward; they’re also a significant style statement.
This one’s simple:
The Mercedes C300 comes with the ‘standard’ Mercedes 17-inch wheels, while the C350 ups the style with AMG 17-inch 6-spoke wheels as standard.
6. Retail price
Now, let’s tackle the question most of us secretly (or not-so-secretly) ask first: “How much does it cost?”
When these models first rolled out of the showroom, the C350 had a pricier tag than the C300.
While it depends on the country and the variant, the W204-generation Mercedes-Benz C350 was about $5,000 more than the C300.
It’s a bit more, but the larger engine and additional features were well worth it for some!
Tip: Take a look at this article if you’re interested in buying a Mercedes C-Class: Mercedes-Benz C-Class Reliability: Which Years To Avoid?
What is the best choice? (Mercedes C300 vs. C350)
So, now that we’ve highlighted the differences between the Mercedes C300 and C350, the golden question remains: Which is the best choice for you?
The answer isn’t so black and white. It genuinely depends on what you’re looking for.
Let’s break it down.
If you’re looking for a balance between luxury, performance, and savings, the C300 might just be your pick.
With a slight edge in miles-per-gallon, solid performance overall, and a more accessible initial price point, it’s a little friendlier on the wallet in the long run.
If the thrill of a more powerful engine gets your heart racing and you love those added luxury features like the panoramic sunroof, birdseye maple trim, and AMG wheels, the C350 might be best for you.
Yes, it’s a tad thirstier and comes with a heftier price tag, but its driving experience is undeniably more exhilarating.
And hey, there’s no wrong choice here. After all, you’re still driving home in a Mercedes at the end of the day.
Fun fact: Did you know that the Mercedes C-Class can last over 280,000 miles?
Conclusion
And there we have it!
We’ve put the Mercedes C300 and C350 head-to-head, examining the differences in their engines, fuel economy, features, and more!
If you’re considering these models, we highly encourage you to take them for a test drive.
After all, nothing can truly replicate the feeling of being behind the wheel, experiencing the drive for yourself.
You might just find your dream car in the process.
Tip: If you’re a C-Class owner, don’t forget to check out our favorite phone holders for the C300 or C350!
More C-Class comparisons
Not sure yet about these C-Class models? If so, take a look at these articles instead:
