2007 Kia Sportage vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2007 Kia Sportage is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK (161 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 2007 Kia Sportage. (109 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 2007 Kia Sportage. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Kia Sportage weights approximately 221 kg more than 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Because 2007 Kia Sportage is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Kia Sportage will offer significantly more control. 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, 2007 Kia Sportage (251 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (234 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2007 Kia Sportage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Kia Sportage | 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Kia | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Sportage | SLK |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2003 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1990 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 234 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1511 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1700 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 70 L |
