2009 Kia Sportage vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2009 Kia Sportage is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK would be higher. At 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Kia Sportage (139 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (134 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Kia Sportage should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 215 kg more than 2009 Kia Sportage.
Because 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK 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 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Kia Sportage, 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, 2009 Kia Sportage (188 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (185 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2009 Kia Sportage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK. 2009 Kia Sportage has automatic transmission and 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK has manual transmission. 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Kia Sportage will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Kia Sportage | 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | Kia | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Sportage | CLK |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1974 cc | 1996 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 | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.5 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1285 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1700 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 69 L |
