1996 Hyundai Sonata vs. 2009 Kia Sportage
To start off, 2009 Kia Sportage is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Hyundai Sonata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Hyundai Sonata would be higher. At 1,991 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Kia Sportage is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Kia Sportage (109 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1996 Hyundai Sonata. (85 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Kia Sportage should accelerate faster than 1996 Hyundai Sonata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Kia Sportage weights approximately 255 kg more than 1996 Hyundai Sonata. 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 1996 Hyundai Sonata. 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 (251 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Hyundai Sonata. (132 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 Kia Sportage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Hyundai Sonata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Hyundai Sonata | 2009 Kia Sportage | |
| Make | Hyundai | Kia |
| Model | Sonata | Sportage |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 132 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1515 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1700 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2640 mm |
