2009 Kia Rondo vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2009 Kia Rondo 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 17 more horse power than 2009 Kia Rondo. (173 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 2009 Kia Rondo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 535 kg more than 2009 Kia Rondo. 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 Rondo, 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 101 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Kia Rondo. (169 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Kia Rondo.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Kia Rondo | 1996 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Kia | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Rondo | C |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2399 cc | 2799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.7:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1515 kg | 2050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1710 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.7 L/100km | 9.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.8 L/100km | 14.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.7 L/100km | 8.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 62 L |
