2009 Kia Sportage vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
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 SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 2,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 2009 Kia Sportage. (111 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2009 Kia Sportage. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 73 kg more than 2009 Kia Sportage. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Kia Sportage is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Kia Sportage 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Kia Sportage. (245 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Kia Sportage.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Kia Sportage | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Kia | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Sportage | SL |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 2797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 111 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.1 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.7:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1687 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1740 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 80 L |
