2006 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 2012 Kia Sportage
To start off, 2012 Kia Sportage is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Mercedes-Benz C would be higher. At 3,497 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 8 more horse power than 2012 Kia Sportage. (260 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 2012 Kia Sportage. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 283 kg more than 2012 Kia Sportage. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2012 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, 2012 Kia Sportage (364 Nm @ 1850 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. (350 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 Kia Sportage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mercedes-Benz C | 2012 Kia Sportage | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Kia |
| Model | C | Sportage |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3497 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 268 HP | 260 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 364 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1850 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1502 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1854 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1636 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 89 L | 58 L |
