1997 Kia Potentia vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S (295 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 157 more horse power than 1997 Kia Potentia. (138 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1997 Kia Potentia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 635 kg more than 1997 Kia Potentia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S (385 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 203 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Kia Potentia. (182 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Kia Potentia. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S 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. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Kia Potentia | 2012 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Kia | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Potentia | S |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 295 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 182 Nm | 385 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 2100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 5245 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 3165 mm |
