2005 Kia Sportage vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2005 Kia Sportage is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz S (182 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 2005 Kia Sportage. (138 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2005 Kia Sportage. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 68 kg more than 2005 Kia Sportage. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 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 1973 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Kia Sportage, 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, 1973 Mercedes-Benz S (233 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Kia Sportage. (184 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Kia Sportage.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Kia Sportage | 1973 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Kia | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Sportage | S |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1973 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1981 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 184 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.5 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1740 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 65 L |
