2003 Kia Opirus vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Kia Opirus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Kia Opirus would be higher. At 3,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Kia Opirus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz C (221 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2003 Kia Opirus. (196 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 2003 Kia Opirus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Kia Opirus weights approximately 74 kg more than 2008 Mercedes-Benz C.
Because 2008 Mercedes-Benz C 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 2008 Mercedes-Benz C. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Kia Opirus, 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz C (510 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 215 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Kia Opirus. (295 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Kia Opirus. 2003 Kia Opirus has automatic transmission and 2008 Mercedes-Benz C has manual transmission. 2008 Mercedes-Benz C will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Kia Opirus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Kia Opirus | 2008 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Kia | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Opirus | C |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3497 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 196 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 295 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.8 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1760 kg | 1686 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2720 mm |
