2001 Kia Sportage vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Kia Sportage. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Kia Sportage would be higher. At 6,208 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (518 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 392 more horse power than 2001 Kia Sportage. (126 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2001 Kia Sportage. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Kia Sportage weights approximately 217 kg more than 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Because 2001 Kia Sportage is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (630 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 455 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Kia Sportage. (175 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Kia Sportage. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2001 Kia Sportage has manual transmission. 2001 Kia Sportage will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Kia Sportage | 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Kia | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Sportage | SL |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 6208 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 126 HP | 518 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 630 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1457 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1660 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2570 mm |
