2009 Kia Sorento vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2009 Kia Sorento is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK would be higher. At 2,497 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Kia Sorento is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Kia Sorento (139 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (134 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Kia Sorento should accelerate faster than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Kia Sorento weights approximately 795 kg more than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Kia Sorento is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Kia Sorento 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, 2009 Kia Sorento (350 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (190 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Kia Sorento will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Kia Sorento | 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Kia | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Sorento | SLK |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1997 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 91 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.7:1 | 10.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2065 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1870 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2410 mm |
