2005 Kia Retona vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Kia Retona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Kia Retona would be higher. At 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL (382 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 291 more horse power than 2005 Kia Retona. (91 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2005 Kia Retona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 35 kg more than 2005 Kia Retona. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Kia Retona is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Kia Retona 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL (530 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 325 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Kia Retona. (205 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Kia Retona. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2005 Kia Retona has manual transmission. 2005 Kia Retona will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Kia Retona | 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Kia | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Retona | SL |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 91 HP | 382 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 205 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1870 kg | 1905 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4582 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1840 mm | 1298 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2560 mm |
