1997 Kia Potentia vs. 2002 Mitsubishi Dion
To start off, 2002 Mitsubishi Dion is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Kia Potentia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Kia Potentia would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Kia Potentia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Kia Potentia (138 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2002 Mitsubishi Dion. (133 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Kia Potentia should accelerate faster than 2002 Mitsubishi Dion. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Kia Potentia weights approximately 79 kg more than 2002 Mitsubishi Dion. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 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 1997 Kia Potentia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Mitsubishi Dion, 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, 2002 Mitsubishi Dion (183 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Kia Potentia. (182 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Mitsubishi Dion will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Kia Potentia. 2002 Mitsubishi Dion has automatic transmission and 1997 Kia Potentia has manual transmission. 1997 Kia Potentia will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Mitsubishi Dion will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Kia Potentia | 2002 Mitsubishi Dion | |
| Make | Kia | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Potentia | Dion |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 182 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.1 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.9 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 1386 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1660 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2710 mm |
