1981 Subaru DL vs. 2011 Kia Sportage
To start off, 2011 Kia Sportage is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Subaru DL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Subaru DL would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Kia Sportage is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Kia Sportage (260 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 193 more horse power than 1981 Subaru DL. (67 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Kia Sportage should accelerate faster than 1981 Subaru DL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Kia Sportage weights approximately 682 kg more than 1981 Subaru DL. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2011 Kia Sportage (358 Nm @ 1850 RPM) has 257 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Subaru DL. (101 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2011 Kia Sportage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Subaru DL. 2011 Kia Sportage has automatic transmission and 1981 Subaru DL has manual transmission. 1981 Subaru DL will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Kia Sportage will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Subaru DL | 2011 Kia Sportage | |
| Make | Subaru | Kia |
| Model | DL | Sportage |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 260 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 101 Nm | 358 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 1850 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 820 kg | 1502 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1854 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1636 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2639 mm |
