A4 B8 vs C-Class W204: which is better?
Audi A4 B8 (2007–2015) vs Mercedes-Benz C-Class W204 (2007–2014): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Audi A4 B8
Mercedes-Benz C-Class W204Specifications
| Audi A4 B8 | Mercedes-Benz C-Class W204 | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2007–2015 | 2007–2014 |
| Body | sedan | sedan |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 1.8 TFSI | 1.8 Turbo (C200 CGI) |
| Power, up to | 160 hp | 184 hp |
| Torque, up to | 250 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Gearbox | CVT | automatic |
| Drive | front-wheel drive | rear-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 703 mm | 4 581 mm |
| Width | 1 826 mm | 1 770 mm |
| Height | 1 427 mm | 1 447 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 808 mm | 2 760 mm |
| Fuel tank | 65 L | 66 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 B8
Pros
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Engine VW/Audi EA888 (1.8–2.0 TSI/TFSI): oil consumption (piston rings) on second-generation engines
- Gearbox Audi multitronic (CVT): chain and clutch pack wear
Engine (VW/Audi EA888 (1.8–2.0 TSI/TFSI)): oil consumption (piston rings) on second-generation engines; timing chain stretch and tensioner on early engines; plastic water pump and thermostat housing leaks.
Gearbox (Audi multitronic (CVT)): chain and clutch pack wear; control unit failure.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class W204
Pros
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Engine Mercedes M271 (1.8): timing chain stretch
- Gearbox Mercedes 7G-Tronic (722.9): control board failure (speed sensors)
Engine (Mercedes M271 (1.8)): timing chain stretch; oil leaks from the heat exchanger and oil separator.
Gearbox (Mercedes 7G-Tronic (722.9)): control board failure (speed sensors); valve body wear.
Which one to choose
- A4 B8 — if you care more about: wheelbase.
- C-Class W204 — if you care more about: power, torque, fuel tank.
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 B8 or C-Class W204?
A4 B8: up to 160 hp, C-Class W204: up to 184 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: A4 B8 — about 15 075 ₸, C-Class W204 — about 15 075 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.