2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK vs. 2011 Kia Sportage
To start off, 2011 Kia Sportage is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK would be higher. At 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Kia Sportage is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Kia Sportage (176 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (161 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Kia Sportage should accelerate faster than 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Kia Sportage weights approximately 142 kg more than 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Kia Sportage, 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK (234 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Kia Sportage. (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Kia Sportage.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK | 2011 Kia Sportage | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Kia |
| Model | SLK | Sportage |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 176 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 234 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 1432 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1854 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1636 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
