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HomeComparisonsMercedes-Benz A-Class vs Subaru BRZ
Spec Battle Updated 20 April 2026 5 min read

Mercedes-Benz A-Class vs Subaru BRZ

A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.

Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.

SpecMercedes-BenzSubaru
Price (RRP)$48,900$49,190
Fuel typePetrolPetrol
Power100kW174kW
0-100 km/h9.5s6.3s
Fuel Economy5.7 L/100km8.8 L/100km
Boot Space370L201L
Towing1,800kg
Warranty5yr / Unlimited5yr / Unlimited
ANCAP SafetyNo dataNo data

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Price Breakdown

The Mercedes-Benz A-Class starts from $48,900 before on-road costs, while the Subaru BRZ opens at $49,190. That makes the Mercedes-Benz A-Class the more affordable entry point by $290.

Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $53,790 and $54,109 respectively.

Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mercedes-Benz A-Class by roughly $4,415 in fuel alone.

Safety Rundown

ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.

Feature Showdown

The Mercedes-Benz A-Class features a 10.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Subaru BRZ gets a 8-inch display and 7-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Mercedes-Benz A-Class stands out with ambient lighting that you will not find on the Subaru BRZ. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Mercedes-Benz A-Class gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Subaru BRZ offers leather.

Drivetrain

The Mercedes-Benz A-Class uses a Petrol producing 100kW and 200Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.5 seconds.

The Subaru BRZ responds with a Petrol making 174kW and 250Nm, paired to a auto driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.3 seconds.

The Subaru BRZ has the clear power advantage at 174kW vs 100kW. In the real-world sprint, the Subaru BRZ is 3.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Mercedes-Benz A-Class measures 4,419mm long on a 2,729mm wheelbase, 154mm longer than the Subaru BRZ at 4,265mm (2,575mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz A-Class generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 370L in the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and 201L in the Subaru BRZ, giving the Mercedes-Benz A-Class a 169L advantage. The Mercedes-Benz A-Class seats 5 vs 4.

0

Turning Circle

Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.

10.8m to 11.0m

Subaru BRZ Coupe S Auto
10.8mTighter
Best
Mercedes-Benz A-Class A180
11.0m
Worst
Mercedes-Benz A-Class A180
11.0m · Good

Based on 11.0m turning circle:

  • U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
  • Standard parking bay
  • Tight carparks
  • Narrow laneways
Subaru BRZ Coupe S Auto
10.8m · Good

Based on 10.8m turning circle:

  • U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
  • Standard parking bay
  • Tight carparks
  • Narrow laneways

Turning circle ratings

Under 10m, Excellent
10 to 11m, Good
11 to 12m, Average
Over 12m, Large

True Cost to Own

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,625/year for the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and $2,508/year for the Subaru BRZ. That is a $883 annual difference in favour of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class.

Estimated annual total: $1,625 (Mercedes-Benz A-Class) vs $2,508 (Subaru BRZ). The Mercedes-Benz A-Class saves you roughly $883 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.

Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz A-Class) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru BRZ). Both match on warranty length.

Who Should Buy Which?

Buy the Mercedes-Benz A-Class if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.

Buy the Subaru BRZ if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.

The Verdict

The Mercedes-Benz A-Class takes 4 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Mercedes-Benz A-Class will save you roughly $883 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.

Common questions

Which is cheapest, Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Subaru BRZ?

The Mercedes-Benz A-Class is the cheapest at $48,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Subaru BRZ by $290.

Which is the most fuel-efficient?

The Mercedes-Benz A-Class uses the least fuel at 5.7L/100km on the combined cycle.

What are the ANCAP safety ratings?

None of Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Subaru BRZ carry a published ANCAP rating yet — check back as they are tested.

Which has the most boot space?

The Mercedes-Benz A-Class has the largest boot at 370L.

Which can tow the most?

The Mercedes-Benz A-Class has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,800kg.

Which is the most powerful?

The Subaru BRZ makes the most power at 174kW. The Subaru BRZ is quickest to 100km/h in 6.3s.

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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.

Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026

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