1973 Chevrolet Impala vs. 2009 Kia Sportage
To start off, 2009 Kia Sportage is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Chevrolet Impala. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Chevrolet Impala would be higher. At 4,097 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Chevrolet Impala is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Kia Sportage (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1973 Chevrolet Impala. (110 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Kia Sportage should accelerate faster than 1973 Chevrolet Impala. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Kia Sportage weights approximately 49 kg more than 1973 Chevrolet Impala. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Kia Sportage is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1973 Chevrolet Impala. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Kia Sportage (305 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Chevrolet Impala. (251 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2009 Kia Sportage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Chevrolet Impala.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Chevrolet Impala | 2009 Kia Sportage | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Kia |
| Model | Impala | Sportage |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4097 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98.3 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.6 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 17.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1715 kg | 1764 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5600 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3100 mm | 2640 mm |
