1998 Kia Retona vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Kia Retona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Kia Retona would be higher. At 2,146 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C (168 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1998 Kia Retona. (90 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1998 Kia Retona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 960 kg more than 1998 Kia Retona. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Kia Retona is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Mercedes-Benz C. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Kia Retona will offer significantly more control. 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 195 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Kia Retona. (205 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Kia Retona. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C has automatic transmission and 1998 Kia Retona has manual transmission. 1998 Kia Retona will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Kia Retona | 2009 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Kia | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Retona | C |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2146 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 205 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1870 kg | 2830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1450 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1840 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2770 mm |
