1998 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 2011 Kia Forte
To start off, 2011 Kia Forte is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz C. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz C would be higher. At 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Kia Forte is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Kia Forte (173 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz C. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Kia Forte should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 96 kg more than 2011 Kia Forte.
Because 1998 Mercedes-Benz C 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 1998 Mercedes-Benz C. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Kia Forte, 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, 2011 Kia Forte (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz C. (170 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2011 Kia Forte will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz C.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz C | 2011 Kia Forte | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Kia |
| Model | C | Forte |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1799 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 1314 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4341 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1775 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1461 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2649 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 52 L |
