2011 Mercedes-Benz Viano vs. 2012 Kia Soul
To start off, 2012 Kia Soul is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 Mercedes-Benz Viano. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Mercedes-Benz Viano would be higher. At 2,987 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz Viano is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz Viano (221 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 2012 Kia Soul. (138 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz Viano should accelerate faster than 2012 Kia Soul.
Because 2011 Mercedes-Benz Viano 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 2011 Mercedes-Benz Viano. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz Viano (440 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 273 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Kia Soul. (167 Nm @ 4850 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz Viano will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Kia Soul.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Mercedes-Benz Viano | 2012 Kia Soul | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Kia |
| Model | Viano | Soul |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2987 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4850 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1786 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3210 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 48 L |
