2005 Kia Carens vs. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 2005 Kia Carens is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 2,744 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 (182 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 2005 Kia Carens. (112 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 2005 Kia Carens. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Kia Carens weights approximately 618 kg more than 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Because 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 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 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Kia Carens, 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, 2005 Kia Carens (245 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280. (238 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2005 Kia Carens will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 has automatic transmission and 2005 Kia Carens has manual transmission. 2005 Kia Carens will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Kia Carens | 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Kia | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Carens | 280 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 2744 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 238 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 172 km/hour | 205 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 13.5 seconds | 10.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2178 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 90 L |
