1973 Mercedes-Benz 220 vs. 2012 Kia Rio
To start off, 2012 Kia Rio is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220 would be higher. At 2,197 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Kia Rio (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220. (58 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Kia Rio should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220 weights approximately 266 kg more than 2012 Kia Rio.
Because 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220 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 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Kia Rio, 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 Rio (167 Nm @ 4850 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220. (126 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 Kia Rio will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220 | 2012 Kia Rio | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Kia |
| Model | 220 | Rio |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2197 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 58 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4850 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1392 kg | 1126 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4366 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1455 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 43 L |
