1968 Mercedes-Benz SE vs. 2010 Kia Optima
To start off, 2010 Kia Optima is newer by 42 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE would be higher. At 2,778 cc (6 cylinders), 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Kia Optima (175 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE. (169 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Kia Optima should accelerate faster than 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE weights approximately 10 kg more than 2010 Kia Optima.
Because 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE 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 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 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, 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Kia Optima. (229 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Kia Optima.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE | 2010 Kia Optima | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Kia |
| Model | SE | Optima |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2778 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 169 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 229 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4801 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1806 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1481 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 62 L |
