1998 Ford Probe vs. 2008 Kia Sportage
To start off, 2008 Kia Sportage is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Ford Probe. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Ford Probe would be higher. At 1,991 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Ford Probe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Kia Sportage (139 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1998 Ford Probe. (115 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Kia Sportage should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Probe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Kia Sportage weights approximately 312 kg more than 1998 Ford Probe. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2008 Kia Sportage (184 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Probe. (170 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Kia Sportage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Probe.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Probe | 2008 Kia Sportage | |
| Make | Ford | Kia |
| Model | Probe | Sportage |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1974 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 184 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 93.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1542 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1740 mm |
