2009 Kia Rio vs. 1990 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2009 Kia Rio is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 2,599 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercedes-Benz S (164 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 2009 Kia Rio. (81 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2009 Kia Rio. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 12 kg more than 2009 Kia Rio. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 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 1990 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 1990 Mercedes-Benz S (228 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Kia Rio. (117 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1990 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Kia Rio.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Kia Rio | 1990 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Kia | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Rio | S |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1343 cc | 2599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 164 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75.5 mm | 82.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1508 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2950 mm |
