1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 2012 Kia Carens
To start off, 2012 Kia Carens is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 (182 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 2012 Kia Carens. (124 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 2012 Kia Carens. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Kia Carens weights approximately 40 kg more than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Because 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 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 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Kia Carens, 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, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 (241 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Kia Carens. (163 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Kia Carens.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 | 2012 Kia Carens | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Kia |
| Model | 280 | Carens |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2746 cc | 1793 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 182 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 241 Nm | 163 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 87 mm |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 177 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.9 seconds | 12 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1475 kg | 1515 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1620 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 55 L |
