2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS vs. 2010 Kia Soul
To start off, 2010 Kia Soul is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS would be higher. At 6,207 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS (507 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 343 more horse power than 2010 Kia Soul. (164 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 2010 Kia Soul. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 677 kg more than 2010 Kia Soul. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 Kia Soul, 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 Mercedes-Benz CLS (630 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 430 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Kia Soul. (200 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Kia Soul.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS | 2010 Kia Soul | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Kia |
| Model | CLS | Soul |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6207 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 507 HP | 164 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 630 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1905 kg | 1228 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 48 L |
