2009 Kia Rio vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2009 Kia Rio is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz C. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz C would be higher. At 2,799 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz C (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 2009 Kia Rio. (110 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 2009 Kia Rio. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 531 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 1996 Mercedes-Benz C 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 1996 Mercedes-Benz C. 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz C (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Kia Rio. (145 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Kia Rio. 1996 Mercedes-Benz C has automatic transmission and 2009 Kia Rio has manual transmission. 2009 Kia Rio will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Kia Rio | 1996 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Kia | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Rio | C |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 2799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.7:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1519 kg | 2050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.1 L/100km | 9.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 8.7 L/100km | 14.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.8 L/100km | 8.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 62 L |
