1998 Honda Civic 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 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Honda Civic would be higher. At 2,656 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Kia Sportage is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Kia Sportage (172 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1998 Honda Civic. (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Kia Sportage should accelerate faster than 1998 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Kia Sportage weights approximately 500 kg more than 1998 Honda Civic. 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 Honda Civic. 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 (246 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Honda Civic. (175 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2009 Kia Sportage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Honda Civic | 2009 Kia Sportage | |
| Make | Honda | Kia |
| Model | Civic | Sportage |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1834 cc | 2656 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 246 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1700 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2640 mm |
