2003 Kia Retona vs. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260
To start off, 2003 Kia Retona is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 would be higher. At 2,599 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 (168 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 2003 Kia Retona. (90 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 should accelerate faster than 2003 Kia Retona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Kia Retona weights approximately 346 kg more than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260.
Because 2003 Kia Retona is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Kia Retona 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, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 (228 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Kia Retona. (205 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Kia Retona. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 has automatic transmission and 2003 Kia Retona has manual transmission. 2003 Kia Retona will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Kia Retona | 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 | |
| Make | Kia | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Retona | 260 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 2599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 205 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 82.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1870 kg | 1524 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1840 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2940 mm |
