2006 Kia Optima vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, both 2006 Kia Optima and 2006 Mercedes-Benz C were released in the same year (2006). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C (268 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 2006 Kia Optima. (138 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 2006 Kia Optima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Kia Optima weights approximately 310 kg more than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C.
Because 2006 Mercedes-Benz C 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 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Kia Optima, 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C (351 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 152 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Kia Optima. (199 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Kia Optima. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C has automatic transmission and 2006 Kia Optima has manual transmission. 2006 Kia Optima will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Kia Optima | 2006 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Kia | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Optima | C |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2351 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 199 Nm | 351 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.5 mm | 92.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2000 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 9.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 62 L |
