1998 Lancia Kappa vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Lancia Kappa. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Lancia Kappa would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz E (469 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 296 more horse power than 1998 Lancia Kappa. (173 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1998 Lancia Kappa. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 395 kg more than 1998 Lancia Kappa. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Mercedes-Benz E 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 2003 Mercedes-Benz E. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Lancia Kappa, 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz E (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 230 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Lancia Kappa. (230 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Lancia Kappa. 2003 Mercedes-Benz E has automatic transmission and 1998 Lancia Kappa has manual transmission. 1998 Lancia Kappa will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Lancia Kappa | 2003 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Lancia | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Kappa | E |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2451 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 469 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1440 kg | 1835 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 62 L |
