1997 Ford Escort vs. 2012 Kia Sportage
To start off, 2012 Kia Sportage is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Ford Escort would be higher. At 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Kia Sportage is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Kia Sportage (176 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1997 Ford Escort. (74 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Kia Sportage should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Kia Sportage weights approximately 275 kg more than 1997 Ford Escort. 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, 2012 Kia Sportage (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Escort. (115 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2012 Kia Sportage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Escort. 2012 Kia Sportage has automatic transmission and 1997 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1997 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Kia Sportage will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Escort | 2012 Kia Sportage | |
| Make | Ford | Kia |
| Model | Escort | Sportage |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1391 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 176 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 115 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4140 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1854 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1636 mm |
