2006 Kia Carens vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Kia Carens. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Kia Carens would be higher. At 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E (210 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 2006 Kia Carens. (112 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 2006 Kia Carens. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 292 kg more than 2006 Kia Carens. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Mercedes-Benz E 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 E. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E (542 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 297 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Kia Carens. (245 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Kia Carens. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E has automatic transmission and 2006 Kia Carens has manual transmission. 2006 Kia Carens will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Kia Carens | 2012 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Kia | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Carens | E |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 542 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1549 kg | 1841 kg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 80 L |
