1998 Honda Accord vs. 2012 Kia Sorento
To start off, 2012 Kia Sorento is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Honda Accord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Honda Accord would be higher. At 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Kia Sorento is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Kia Sorento (175 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1998 Honda Accord. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Kia Sorento should accelerate faster than 1998 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Kia Sorento weights approximately 469 kg more than 1998 Honda Accord. 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, 2012 Kia Sorento (229 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Honda Accord. (158 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2012 Kia Sorento will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Honda Accord. 2012 Kia Sorento has automatic transmission and 1998 Honda Accord has manual transmission. 1998 Honda Accord will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Kia Sorento will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Honda Accord | 2012 Kia Sorento | |
| Make | Honda | Kia |
| Model | Accord | Sorento |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1849 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 158 Nm | 229 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1275 kg | 1744 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4671 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1885 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1709 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2700 mm |
