2008 Kia Sportage vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2008 Kia Sportage is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 3,199 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (228 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 2008 Kia Sportage. (111 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2008 Kia Sportage. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 209 kg more than 2008 Kia Sportage. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Kia Sportage is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (315 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Kia Sportage. (245 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Kia Sportage.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Kia Sportage | 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Kia | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Sportage | S |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1996 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 3199 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 111 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.7:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1687 kg | 1896 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1740 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 70 L |
