1981 Mercedes-Benz G vs. 2011 Kia Sportage
To start off, 2011 Kia Sportage is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Mercedes-Benz G. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Mercedes-Benz G would be higher. At 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Kia Sportage is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Kia Sportage (176 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1981 Mercedes-Benz G. (125 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Kia Sportage should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercedes-Benz G. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mercedes-Benz G weights approximately 485 kg more than 2011 Kia Sportage.
Because 1981 Mercedes-Benz G is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2011 Kia Sportage. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Mercedes-Benz G will offer significantly more control. 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, 2011 Kia Sportage (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mercedes-Benz G. (186 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Kia Sportage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mercedes-Benz G. 2011 Kia Sportage has automatic transmission and 1981 Mercedes-Benz G has manual transmission. 1981 Mercedes-Benz G will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Kia Sportage will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mercedes-Benz G | 2011 Kia Sportage | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Kia |
| Model | G | Sportage |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2299 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 176 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1930 kg | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1854 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1940 mm | 1636 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2639 mm |
