2008 Kia Rio vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2008 Kia Rio is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK would be higher. At 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Kia Rio (138 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (134 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Kia Rio should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 421 kg more than 2008 Kia Rio.
Because 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK 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 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Kia Rio, 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK (185 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Kia Rio. (125 Nm @ 6500 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Kia Rio.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Kia Rio | 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | Kia | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Rio | CLK |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1399 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6500 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75.5 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.1 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 170 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1079 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1660 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 69 L |
