2003 Kia Opirus vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 6 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, 2003 Kia Opirus (196 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 2009 Mercedes-Benz C. (168 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Kia Opirus should accelerate faster than 2009 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Kia Opirus weights approximately 130 kg more than 2009 Mercedes-Benz C. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 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 2009 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Kia Opirus. (295 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Kia Opirus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Kia Opirus | 2009 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Kia | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Opirus | C |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3497 cc | 2148 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 196 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 295 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 88.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.8 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1760 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2770 mm |
