1996 Kia Retona vs. 1999 Nissan Maxima
To start off, 1999 Nissan Maxima is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Kia Retona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Kia Retona would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Kia Retona is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Nissan Maxima (138 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1996 Kia Retona. (90 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Nissan Maxima should accelerate faster than 1996 Kia Retona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Kia Retona weights approximately 525 kg more than 1999 Nissan Maxima.
Because 1996 Kia Retona is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1999 Nissan Maxima. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Kia Retona 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, 1996 Kia Retona (205 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Nissan Maxima. (177 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1996 Kia Retona will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Nissan Maxima.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Kia Retona | 1999 Nissan Maxima | |
| Make | Kia | Nissan |
| Model | Retona | Maxima |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1999 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 205 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1870 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1840 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2710 mm |
