1998 Ford Laser vs. 2006 Kia Sportage
To start off, 2006 Kia Sportage is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Ford Laser. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Ford Laser would be higher. At 1,975 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Kia Sportage is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Kia Sportage (140 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1998 Ford Laser. (105 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Kia Sportage should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Laser. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Kia Sportage weights approximately 434 kg more than 1998 Ford Laser. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Kia Sportage is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Ford Laser. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Kia Sportage 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, 2006 Kia Sportage (188 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Laser. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Kia Sportage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Laser. 2006 Kia Sportage has automatic transmission and 1998 Ford Laser has manual transmission. 1998 Ford Laser will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Kia Sportage will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Laser | 2006 Kia Sportage | |
| Make | Ford | Kia |
| Model | Laser | Sportage |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1975 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1115 kg | 1549 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1700 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2640 mm |
