A4 B6 vs C-Class W203: which is better?
Audi A4 B6 (2000–2004) vs Mercedes-Benz C-Class W203 (2000–2007): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Audi A4 B6Specifications
| Audi A4 B6 | Mercedes-Benz C-Class W203 | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2000–2004 | 2000–2007 |
| Body | sedan | sedan |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 1.8 Turbo | 1.8 Kompressor (C180) |
| Power, up to | 163 hp | 143 hp |
| Torque, up to | 225 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Gearbox | CVT | automatic |
| Drive | front-wheel drive | rear-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 547 mm | 4 526 mm |
| Width | 1 766 mm | 1 728 mm |
| Height | 1 428 mm | 1 426 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 650 mm | 2 715 mm |
| Fuel tank | 70 L | 62 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 15 075 ₸ | ≈ 15 075 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
Audi A4 B6
Pros
- Large tank: 70 L
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Gearbox Audi multitronic (CVT): chain and clutch pack wear
- Age: the last cars were built in 2004, condition is everything
Gearbox (Audi multitronic (CVT)): chain and clutch pack wear; control unit failure.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class W203
Pros
- Gearbox Mercedes 722.x (4–5-speed automatic): very reliable
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Engine Mercedes M271 (1.8): timing chain stretch
- Gearbox Mercedes 722.x (4–5-speed automatic): leaking connector adapter and wiring
Engine (Mercedes M271 (1.8)): timing chain stretch; oil leaks from the heat exchanger and oil separator.
Gearbox (Mercedes 722.x (4–5-speed automatic)): very reliable; leaks from the connector adapter and wiring.
Which one to choose
- A4 B6 — if you care more about: power, torque, fuel tank.
- C-Class W203 — if you care more about: wheelbase.
The condition of a specific car matters more than the model: check the service history and get the engine and gearbox inspected before buying.
FAQ
Which is more powerful: A4 B6 or C-Class W203?
A4 B6: up to 163 hp, C-Class W203: up to 143 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: A4 B6 — about 15 075 ₸, C-Class W203 — about 15 075 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.