2002 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2012 Kia Sportage
To start off, 2012 Kia Sportage is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (493 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 233 more horse power than 2012 Kia Sportage. (260 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2012 Kia Sportage. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 633 kg more than 2012 Kia Sportage. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 Mercedes-Benz S 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 S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Kia Sportage, 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 S (801 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 437 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Kia Sportage. (364 Nm @ 1850 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Kia Sportage.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mercedes-Benz S | 2012 Kia Sportage | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Kia |
| Model | S | Sportage |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5513 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 260 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 801 Nm | 364 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 1850 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2135 kg | 1502 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1854 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1636 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 58 L |
