2012 Kia Soul vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz S
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 S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S (302 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 138 more horse power than 2012 Kia Soul. (164 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2012 Kia Soul.
Because 2011 Mercedes-Benz S 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 S. 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 S (370 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Kia Soul. (200 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Kia Soul.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Kia Soul | 2011 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Kia | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Soul | S |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2000 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 164 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4120 mm | 5096 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1786 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 3165 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 90 L |
