1998 Ford Laser 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 Laser. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Ford Laser would be higher. At 1,975 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Kia Sportage is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Kia Sportage (140 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1998 Ford Laser. (113 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Kia Sportage should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Laser. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Kia Sportage weights approximately 370 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 2009 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, 2009 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, 2009 Kia Sportage (184 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Laser. (168 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Kia Sportage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Laser.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Laser | 2009 Kia Sportage | |
| Make | Ford | Kia |
| Model | Laser | Sportage |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1975 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 184 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1145 kg | 1515 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1700 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 58 L |
