2002 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2009 Kia Carens
To start off, 2009 Kia Carens is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,441 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL (494 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 370 more horse power than 2009 Kia Carens. (124 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2009 Kia Carens. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 360 kg more than 2009 Kia Carens. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Kia Carens, 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 SL (700 Nm @ 2650 RPM) has 537 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Kia Carens. (163 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Kia Carens.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2009 Kia Carens | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Kia |
| Model | SL | Carens |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5441 cc | 1793 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 494 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 163 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2650 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 87 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1875 kg | 1515 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1620 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 55 L |
