1999 Kia Elan vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Kia Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Kia Elan would be higher. At 2,148 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Kia Elan (149 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2002 Mercedes-Benz E. (148 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Kia Elan should accelerate faster than 2002 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 542 kg more than 1999 Kia Elan.
Because 2002 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 2002 Mercedes-Benz E. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Kia Elan, 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz E (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 154 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Kia Elan. (186 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Kia Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Kia Elan | 2002 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Kia | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elan | E |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1793 cc | 2148 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1068 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2860 mm |
