1997 Chevrolet Cavalier vs. 2001 Kia Potentia

To start off, 2001 Kia Potentia is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier would be higher. At 2,190 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Kia Potentia (138 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier. (115 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Kia Potentia should accelerate faster than 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Kia Potentia weights approximately 265 kg more than 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 2001 Kia Potentia is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2001 Kia Potentia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier (183 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Kia Potentia. (182 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Kia Potentia. 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier has automatic transmission and 2001 Kia Potentia has manual transmission. 2001 Kia Potentia will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

1997 Chevrolet Cavalier 2001 Kia Potentia
Make Chevrolet Kia
Model Cavalier Potentia
Year Released 1997 2001
Body Type Sedan Sedan
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 2190 cc 1998 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Valves per Cylinder 2 valves 4 valves
Horse Power 115 HP 138 HP
Engine RPM 5000 RPM 6000 RPM
Torque 183 Nm 182 Nm
Torque RPM 3600 RPM 4000 RPM
Engine Bore Size 89 mm 85.1 mm
Engine Stroke Size 88 mm 87.9 mm
Drive Type Front Rear
Transmission Type Automatic Manual
Number of Seats 5 seats 4 seats
Number of Doors 4 doors 4 doors
Vehicle Weight 1200 kg 1465 kg
Vehicle Length 4600 mm 4960 mm
Vehicle Width 1730 mm 1730 mm
Vehicle Height 1400 mm 1440 mm
Wheelbase Size 2650 mm 2720 mm