1998 Chevrolet Prizm vs. 2003 Kia Sorento
To start off, 2003 Kia Sorento is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Chevrolet Prizm. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Chevrolet Prizm would be higher. At 2,359 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Kia Sorento is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Kia Sorento (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1998 Chevrolet Prizm. (123 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Kia Sorento should accelerate faster than 1998 Chevrolet Prizm. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Kia Sorento weights approximately 890 kg more than 1998 Chevrolet Prizm. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Kia Sorento is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Chevrolet Prizm. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Kia Sorento 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, 2003 Kia Sorento (314 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Chevrolet Prizm. (169 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Kia Sorento will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Chevrolet Prizm. 2003 Kia Sorento has automatic transmission and 1998 Chevrolet Prizm has manual transmission. 1998 Chevrolet Prizm will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Kia Sorento will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Chevrolet Prizm | 2003 Kia Sorento | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Kia |
| Model | Prizm | Sorento |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 2359 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 314 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1090 kg | 1980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1710 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2670 mm |
