1998 Mercedes-Benz A vs. 2010 Kia Forte
To start off, 2010 Kia Forte is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz A. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz A would be higher. At 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Kia Forte is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Kia Forte (173 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz A. (80 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Kia Forte should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Kia Forte weights approximately 199 kg more than 1998 Mercedes-Benz A. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear 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, 2010 Kia Forte (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz A. (130 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2010 Kia Forte will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz A. 1998 Mercedes-Benz A has automatic transmission and 2010 Kia Forte has manual transmission. 2010 Kia Forte will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercedes-Benz A will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz A | 2010 Kia Forte | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Kia |
| Model | A | Forte |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1397 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 80 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1095 kg | 1294 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3580 mm | 4529 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1775 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1580 mm | 1461 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2649 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.3 L/100km | 7.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.4 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 52 L |
