1979 Mercedes-Benz 250 vs. 2005 Kia Spectra
To start off, 2005 Kia Spectra is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250 would be higher. At 2,525 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Kia Spectra (143 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250. (138 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Kia Spectra should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250 weights approximately 70 kg more than 2005 Kia Spectra.
Because 1979 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 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Kia Spectra, 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, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250 (200 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Kia Spectra. (192 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Kia Spectra. 2005 Kia Spectra has automatic transmission and 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250 has manual transmission. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Kia Spectra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250 | 2005 Kia Spectra | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Kia |
| Model | 250 | Spectra |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2525 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 192 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.5 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 50 L |
