1997 Kia Potentia vs. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1997 Kia Potentia is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,998 cc (5 cylinders), 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Kia Potentia (138 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300. (123 HP @ 4350 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Kia Potentia should accelerate faster than 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 155 kg more than 1997 Kia Potentia.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300 (250 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Kia Potentia. (182 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Kia Potentia. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300 has automatic transmission and 1997 Kia Potentia has manual transmission. 1997 Kia Potentia will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Kia Potentia | 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Kia | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Potentia | 300 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4350 RPM |
| Torque | 182 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.1 mm | 90.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.9 mm | 92.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 1620 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2800 mm |
