2008 Kia Carens vs. 1999 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2008 Kia Carens is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S (302 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 159 more horse power than 2008 Kia Carens. (143 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2008 Kia Carens. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 335 kg more than 2008 Kia Carens. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 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 1999 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Kia Carens, 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, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 271 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Kia Carens. (189 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1999 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Kia Carens.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Kia Carens | 1999 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Kia | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Carens | S |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 189 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1519 kg | 1854 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 3090 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 88 L |
