2005 Kia Carnival vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Kia Carnival. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Kia Carnival would be higher. At 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S (536 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 388 more horse power than 2005 Kia Carnival. (148 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2005 Kia Carnival. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 147 kg more than 2005 Kia Carnival. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Mercedes-Benz S 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 2012 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Kia Carnival, 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S (799 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 575 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Kia Carnival. (224 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Kia Carnival. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 2005 Kia Carnival has manual transmission. 2005 Kia Carnival will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Kia Carnival | 2012 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Kia | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Carnival | S |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 536 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 799 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2083 kg | 2230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4930 mm | 5250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1740 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 3165 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 90 L |
