2004 Mercedes-Benz CL vs. 2012 Kia Optima
To start off, 2012 Kia Optima is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL would be higher. At 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 2012 Kia Optima. (200 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 2012 Kia Optima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 403 kg more than 2012 Kia Optima. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL 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 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Kia Optima, 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 208 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Kia Optima. (252 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Kia Optima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL | 2012 Kia Optima | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Kia |
| Model | CL | Optima |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4966 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 460 Nm | 252 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1865 kg | 1462 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4844 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1831 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1455 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2797 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.8 L/100km | 6.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.7 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 99 L | 70 L |
