2003 Kia Sorento vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2003 Kia Sorento is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 5,985 cc (12 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (389 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 197 more horse power than 2003 Kia Sorento. (192 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2003 Kia Sorento. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 190 kg more than 2003 Kia Sorento. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Kia Sorento is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Kia Sorento 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (570 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 260 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Kia Sorento. (310 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Kia Sorento.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Kia Sorento | 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Kia | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Sorento | S |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1996 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3489 cc | 5985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 192 HP | 389 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 570 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.8 mm | 80.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1990 kg | 2180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1710 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 100 L |
