2012 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 2012 Kia Optima
To start off, both 2012 Mercedes-Benz C and 2012 Kia Optima were released in the same year (2012). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Kia Optima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (201 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 2012 Kia Optima. (166 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 2012 Kia Optima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Kia Optima weights approximately 78 kg more than 2012 Mercedes-Benz C.
Because 2012 Mercedes-Benz C 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 2012 Mercedes-Benz C. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Kia Optima, 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (310 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Kia Optima. (209 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Kia Optima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz C | 2012 Kia Optima | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Kia |
| Model | C | Optima |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1800 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 166 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 209 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | 7-speed shiftable automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 1583 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4592 mm | 4844 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1831 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1455 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2797 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 65 L |
