2009 Kia Optima vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz R
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz R is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Kia Optima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Kia Optima would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz R is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz R (268 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 2009 Kia Optima. (175 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz R should accelerate faster than 2009 Kia Optima.
Because 2011 Mercedes-Benz R is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Kia Optima. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz R 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz R (349 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Kia Optima. (229 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz R will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Kia Optima. 2011 Mercedes-Benz R has automatic transmission and 2009 Kia Optima has manual transmission. 2009 Kia Optima will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mercedes-Benz R will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Kia Optima | 2011 Mercedes-Benz R | |
| Make | Kia | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Optima | R |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2359 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 229 Nm | 349 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 6 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 5156 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1958 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1661 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 3216 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.5 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.8 L/100km | 15.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 80 L |
