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 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Kia Sportage is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Kia Sportage (176 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. (141 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Kia Sportage should accelerate faster 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, 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 (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. (220 Nm @ 3500 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 | 1796 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 176 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1854 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1636 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 58 L |
