A4 vs CLA
Choosing between Audi and Mercedes-Benz often comes down to a specific pair of products. In the compact luxury car class, that pair is the A4 and the CLA. Think of these two as neighbors: the overlap is large and the gaps are few.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance CLA wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Tie
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance3.1
- Fuel Economy & Range7.9
- Engine & Performance4.4
- Fuel Economy & Range8.4
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The CLA has 20 hp more power
Slight advantage to the CLA: 221 hp compared with 201 hp. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
-
The CLA has 22 lb-ft more torque
On torque, the CLA edges out the A4, 258 lb-ft to 236 lb-ft. The CLA’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Design & Size
Engine & Performance
CLA leads
This section belongs to the CLA. In engine & performance, it leads the A4 by a margin that’s hard to ignore. The CLA stands out with 20 hp more power. The CLA’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed. The engine & performance verdict goes to the CLA.
Total system output
A4: 201 hp CLA: 221 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Torque
A4: 236 lb-ft CLA: 258 lb-ft Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Fuel Economy & Range
Too close to call
You can skip ahead if fuel economy & range was your deciding factor: the two are evenly matched here. Bottom line for fuel economy & range: it’s a wash.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
If space & practicality matters most to you, this section won’t make the decision for you: they’re level. On space & practicality alone, you can’t go far wrong with either.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
The off-road & towing section is even. Any gaps here are within the range you’d never notice. The off-road & towing verdict: no winner, and no reason to worry either way.
Safety & Tech
The safety & tech comparison is about what’s inside rather than how much. See the table for the A4’s and the CLA’s entries.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | A4 | CLA |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas (12V mild hybrid) | Gas (48V mild hybrid) |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 2.0L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 201 hp | 221 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 236 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft (winner) |
| Transmission | 7-speed dual-clutch (S tronic) | 8-speed dual-clutch |
| Drivetrain | AWD (quattro) | FWD (4MATIC AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | A4 | CLA |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 29 mpg | 30 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 26 mpg | 26 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 36 mpg | 36 mpg |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | A4 | CLA |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | A4 | CLA |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | A4 | CLA |
|---|---|---|
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the CLA if…
- you want more power (221 hp vs 201 hp)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (258 lb-ft vs 236 lb-ft of torque)
- you trust Mercedes-Benz and want to keep things familiar
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the A4 or the CLA?
On the specs compared here, the CLA makes more sense for most buyers; the A4 doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
The A4 and the CLA come from rival camps, Audi and Mercedes-Benz, but they’re chasing the same person: you. Start with the headline difference (the CLA has 20 hp more power), and a lot of the decision falls into place.
Your priorities do the choosing here: the things a spec sheet can’t capture points to the A4, engine & performance to the CLA.
My pick: the CLA.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.