1997 Kia Retona vs. 2013 Chevrolet Sonic
To start off, 2013 Chevrolet Sonic is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Kia Retona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Kia Retona would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Kia Retona is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Chevrolet Sonic (134 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1997 Kia Retona. (90 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Chevrolet Sonic should accelerate faster than 1997 Kia Retona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Kia Retona weights approximately 633 kg more than 2013 Chevrolet Sonic.
Because 1997 Kia Retona is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2013 Chevrolet Sonic. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1997 Kia Retona (206 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Chevrolet Sonic. (169 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1997 Kia Retona will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Chevrolet Sonic. 2013 Chevrolet Sonic has automatic transmission and 1997 Kia Retona has manual transmission. 1997 Kia Retona will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2013 Chevrolet Sonic will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Kia Retona | 2013 Chevrolet Sonic | |
| Make | Kia | Chevrolet |
| Model | Retona | Sonic |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2013 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1870 kg | 1237 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4399 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1735 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1840 mm | 1517 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2685 mm |
