1998 Nissan Serena 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 Nissan Serena. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Nissan Serena 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 95 more horse power than 1998 Nissan Serena. (96 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Kia Sorento should accelerate faster than 1998 Nissan Serena. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Kia Sorento weights approximately 359 kg more than 1998 Nissan Serena. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Nissan Serena is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1998 Nissan Serena. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Kia Sorento, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 114 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Nissan Serena. (131 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 Kia Sorento will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Nissan Serena. 2012 Kia Sorento has automatic transmission and 1998 Nissan Serena has manual transmission. 1998 Nissan Serena 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 Nissan Serena | 2012 Kia Sorento | |
| Make | Nissan | Kia |
| Model | Serena | Sorento |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Van | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 191 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 131 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1744 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4671 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1885 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1709 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2700 mm |
