2012 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2013 Kia Forte
To start off, 2013 Kia Forte is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2012 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2012 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 4,700 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S (429 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 275 more horse power than 2013 Kia Forte. (154 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2013 Kia Forte. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 908 kg more than 2013 Kia Forte. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 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 2012 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 Kia Forte, 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 S (699 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 504 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Kia Forte. (195 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Kia Forte. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 2013 Kia Forte has manual transmission. 2013 Kia Forte will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz S | 2013 Kia Forte | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Kia |
| Model | S | Forte |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4700 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 429 HP | 154 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 699 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | 7-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2150 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5245 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1872 mm | 1765 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1473 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3165 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.4 L/100km | 6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 15.7 L/100km | 8.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 52 L |
