1998 Dodge Ram vs. 2012 Kia Sportage
To start off, 2012 Kia Sportage is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Dodge Ram. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Dodge Ram would be higher. At 3,905 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Dodge Ram is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Kia Sportage (260 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1998 Dodge Ram. (173 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Kia Sportage should accelerate faster than 1998 Dodge Ram. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Dodge Ram weights approximately 568 kg more than 2012 Kia Sportage.
Because 1998 Dodge Ram 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 1998 Dodge Ram. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2012 Kia Sportage (364 Nm @ 1850 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Dodge Ram. (305 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2012 Kia Sportage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Dodge Ram. 2012 Kia Sportage has automatic transmission and 1998 Dodge Ram has manual transmission. 1998 Dodge Ram 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:
1998 Dodge Ram | 2012 Kia Sportage | |
Make | Dodge | Kia |
Model | Ram | Sportage |
Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
Body Type | Pickup | SUV |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3905 cc | 2000 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 173 HP | 260 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 305 Nm | 364 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 1850 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
Vehicle Weight | 2070 kg | 1502 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4450 mm |
Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1854 mm |
Vehicle Height | 2030 mm | 1636 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2790 mm | 2639 mm |