1968 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2009 Kia Forte
To start off, 2009 Kia Forte is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 2,495 cc (6 cylinders), 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Kia Forte (156 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL. (150 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Kia Forte should accelerate faster than 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 132 kg more than 2009 Kia Forte.
Because 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Kia Forte, 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 SL (216 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Kia Forte. (195 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Kia Forte.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2009 Kia Forte | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Kia |
| Model | SL | Forte |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1228 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4529 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1775 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1461 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2649 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 52 L |
