1976 Mercedes-Benz 250 vs. 2012 Kia Soul
To start off, 2012 Kia Soul is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Mercedes-Benz 250. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Mercedes-Benz 250 would be higher. At 2,525 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Mercedes-Benz 250 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Kia Soul (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 250. (127 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Kia Soul should accelerate faster than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 250. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 250 weights approximately 174 kg more than 2012 Kia Soul.
Because 1976 Mercedes-Benz 250 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 1976 Mercedes-Benz 250. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Kia Soul, 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, 1976 Mercedes-Benz 250 (196 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Kia Soul. (167 Nm @ 4850 RPM). This means 1976 Mercedes-Benz 250 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Kia Soul.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Mercedes-Benz 250 | 2012 Kia Soul | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Kia |
| Model | 250 | Soul |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2525 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4850 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1186 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 48 L |
