1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 vs. 2012 Kia Optima
To start off, 2012 Kia Optima is newer by 56 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Kia Optima (274 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300. (172 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Kia Optima should accelerate faster than 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 245 kg more than 2012 Kia Optima.
Because 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Kia Optima, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2012 Kia Optima (364 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300. (255 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2012 Kia Optima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300. 2012 Kia Optima has automatic transmission and 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 has manual transmission. 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Kia Optima will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 | 2012 Kia Optima | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Kia |
| Model | 300 | Optima |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 274 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 255 Nm | 364 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1780 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4844 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1831 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1455 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2797 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 70 L |
