2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS vs. 2008 Kia Carnival
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Kia Carnival. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Kia Carnival 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 260 more horse power than 2008 Kia Carnival. (142 HP @ 8800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 2008 Kia Carnival. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Kia Carnival weights approximately 330 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, 2008 Kia Carnival, 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 290 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Kia Carnival. (310 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Kia Carnival.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | 2008 Kia Carnival | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Kia |
| Model | CLS | Carnival |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4663 cc | 2901 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 402 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 8800 RPM |
| Torque | 600 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 174 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.2 seconds | 15.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | 7-speed shiftable automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1890 kg | 2220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4940 mm | 4930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1882 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1417 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2875 mm | 2910 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 75 L |
