2005 Kia Sorento vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2005 Kia Sorento is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 3,197 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (224 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 2005 Kia Sorento. (139 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2005 Kia Sorento. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Kia Sorento weights approximately 226 kg more than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Because 2005 Kia Sorento is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Kia Sorento 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (315 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Kia Sorento. (314 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Kia Sorento. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2005 Kia Sorento has manual transmission. 2005 Kia Sorento will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Kia Sorento | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Kia | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Sorento | SL |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1998 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 3197 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 224 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 314 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 91 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Top Speed | 170 km/hour | 238 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 14.6 seconds | 8.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2056 kg | 1830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1820 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 80 L |
