1997 Kia Potentia vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Kia Potentia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Kia Potentia would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Kia Potentia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Kia Potentia (138 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz A. (81 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Kia Potentia should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Kia Potentia weights approximately 139 kg more than 2012 Mercedes-Benz A. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Kia Potentia 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 1997 Kia Potentia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A, 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, 1997 Kia Potentia (182 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mercedes-Benz A. (180 Nm @ 1400 RPM). This means 1997 Kia Potentia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mercedes-Benz A.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Kia Potentia | 2012 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Kia | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Potentia | A |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 182 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.1 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.9 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 1326 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2570 mm |
