1986 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2012 Kia Forte
To start off, 2012 Kia Forte is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 5,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Mercedes-Benz S (275 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 2012 Kia Forte. (156 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2012 Kia Forte. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 512 kg more than 2012 Kia Forte. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1986 Mercedes-Benz S 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 1986 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Kia Forte, 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, 1986 Mercedes-Benz S (422 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 227 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Kia Forte. (195 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1986 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Kia Forte.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Mercedes-Benz S | 2012 Kia Forte | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Kia |
| Model | S | Forte |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5547 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 275 HP | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 422 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1800 kg | 1288 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4341 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1775 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1461 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2649 mm |
