2006 Kia Sorento vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2006 Kia Sorento is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 5,987 cc (12 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (389 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 250 more horse power than 2006 Kia Sorento. (139 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2006 Kia Sorento. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 240 kg more than 2006 Kia Sorento. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 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 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Kia Sorento, 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (570 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 250 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Kia Sorento. (320 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Kia Sorento.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Kia Sorento | 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Kia | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Sorento | S |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1996 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 5987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 389 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 570 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 91.1 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 80.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2000 kg | 2240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 5070 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2890 mm |
