1996 Hyundai Elantra vs. 2008 Kia Sportage
To start off, 2008 Kia Sportage is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Hyundai Elantra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Hyundai Elantra would be higher. At 1,991 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Kia Sportage is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Kia Sportage (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1996 Hyundai Elantra. (130 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Kia Sportage should accelerate faster than 1996 Hyundai Elantra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Kia Sportage weights approximately 527 kg more than 1996 Hyundai Elantra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Kia Sportage is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Hyundai Elantra. 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, 2008 Kia Sportage (305 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 139 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Hyundai Elantra. (166 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 Kia Sportage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Hyundai Elantra. 1996 Hyundai Elantra has automatic transmission and 2008 Kia Sportage has manual transmission. 2008 Kia Sportage will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Hyundai Elantra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Hyundai Elantra | 2008 Kia Sportage | |
| Make | Hyundai | Kia |
| Model | Elantra | Sportage |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1795 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 130 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 166 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 92 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1233 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2640 mm |
