2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS vs. 2005 Kia Carens
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Kia Carens. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Kia Carens would be higher. At 4,663 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (402 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 290 more horse power than 2005 Kia Carens. (112 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 2005 Kia Carens. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Kia Carens weights approximately 288 kg more than 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS.
Because 2012 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 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Kia Carens, 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 CLS (600 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 355 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Kia Carens. (245 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Kia Carens.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | 2005 Kia Carens | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Kia |
| Model | CLS | Carens |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4663 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 402 HP | 112 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 600 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 172 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.2 seconds | 13.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | 7-speed shiftable automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1890 kg | 2178 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4940 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1882 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1417 mm | 1620 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2875 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 55 L |
