1972 Ford Gran Torino vs. 2008 Kia Sportage
To start off, 2008 Kia Sportage is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford Gran Torino. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford Gran Torino would be higher. At 4,097 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Ford Gran Torino is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Kia Sportage (173 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. (95 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Kia Sportage should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Ford Gran Torino weights approximately 573 kg more than 2008 Kia Sportage.
Because 2008 Kia Sportage is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Kia Sportage will offer significantly more control. 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, 1972 Ford Gran Torino (245 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Kia Sportage. (241 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1972 Ford Gran Torino will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Kia Sportage. 2008 Kia Sportage has automatic transmission and 1972 Ford Gran Torino has manual transmission. 1972 Ford Gran Torino will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Kia Sportage will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Gran Torino | 2008 Kia Sportage | |
| Make | Ford | Kia |
| Model | Gran Torino | Sportage |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4097 cc | 2656 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 95 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1858 kg | 1285 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5470 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1700 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 65 L |
