1998 Ford Explorer vs. 2009 Kia Sportage
To start off, 2009 Kia Sportage is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Ford Explorer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Ford Explorer would be higher. At 3,996 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Kia Sportage (173 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1998 Ford Explorer. (160 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Kia Sportage should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Explorer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Explorer weights approximately 615 kg more than 2009 Kia Sportage.
Let's talk about torque, 1998 Ford Explorer (311 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Kia Sportage. (241 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Kia Sportage.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Explorer | 2009 Kia Sportage | |
| Make | Ford | Kia |
| Model | Explorer | Sportage |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3996 cc | 2656 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 311 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1900 kg | 1285 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1840 mm | 1700 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2640 mm |
