Answer: C
In a 1,4-relationship cis means (a,e) or (e,a). The tert-butyl group is locked equatorial, so the methyl must be axial in the cis isomer, costing about 7.3 kJ/mol. In the trans isomer both groups are equatorial (e,e) with no such penalty, so the trans isomer is more stable by roughly 7 kJ/mol.