1996 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2011 Kia Sorento
To start off, 2011 Kia Sorento is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 4,195 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Kia Sorento (276 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. (275 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Kia Sorento should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 223 kg more than 2011 Kia Sorento.
Because 1996 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 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Kia Sorento, 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Kia Sorento. (336 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Kia Sorento.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | 2011 Kia Sorento | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Kia |
| Model | S | Sorento |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4195 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 275 HP | 276 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1990 kg | 1767 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 4661 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1885 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1735 mm |
