1999 Kia Sportage vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Kia Sportage. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Kia Sportage would be higher. At 4,663 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (402 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 276 more horse power than 1999 Kia Sportage. (126 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1999 Kia Sportage. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 278 kg more than 1999 Kia Sportage. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 Kia Sportage is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Kia Sportage 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (600 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 425 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Kia Sportage. (175 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Kia Sportage. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS has automatic transmission and 1999 Kia Sportage has manual transmission. 1999 Kia Sportage will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Kia Sportage | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Kia | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Sportage | CLS |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 4663 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 126 HP | 402 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1457 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1660 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2875 mm |
