1998 Kia Retona 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 Kia Retona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Kia Retona 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 (191 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1998 Kia Retona. (90 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Kia Sorento should accelerate faster than 1998 Kia Retona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Kia Retona weights approximately 126 kg more than 2012 Kia Sorento.
Because 1998 Kia Retona is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Kia Sorento. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Kia Retona 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, 2012 Kia Sorento (245 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Kia Retona. (205 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Kia Sorento will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Kia Retona. 2012 Kia Sorento has automatic transmission and 1998 Kia Retona has manual transmission. 1998 Kia Retona 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 Kia Retona | 2012 Kia Sorento | |
| Make | Kia | Kia |
| Model | Retona | Sorento |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 191 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 205 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1870 kg | 1744 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4671 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1885 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1840 mm | 1709 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2700 mm |
