1997 Kia Potentia vs. 2009 Kia Sportage
To start off, 2009 Kia Sportage is newer by 12 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 2,656 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Kia Sportage is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 174 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Kia Sportage weights approximately 598 kg more than 1997 Kia Potentia.
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, 2009 Kia Sportage, 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, 2009 Kia Sportage (241 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Kia Potentia. (186 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Kia Sportage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Kia Potentia. 2009 Kia Sportage 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. 2009 Kia Sportage will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Kia Potentia | 2009 Kia Sportage | |
| Make | Kia | Kia |
| Model | Potentia | Sportage |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2656 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 174 HP | 174 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1485 kg | 2083 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1700 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2640 mm |
