2009 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2011 Kia Sportage
To start off, 2011 Kia Sportage is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,461 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (382 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 206 more horse power than 2011 Kia Sportage. (176 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2011 Kia Sportage. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1398 kg more than 2011 Kia Sportage. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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 Mercedes-Benz SL (530 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 302 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Kia Sportage. (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Kia Sportage. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2011 Kia Sportage has manual transmission. 2011 Kia Sportage will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2011 Kia Sportage | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Kia |
| Model | SL | Sportage |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5461 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 382 HP | 176 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 530 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2830 kg | 1432 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1854 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1636 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.2 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.1 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 55 L |
