1998 Suzuki Vitara vs. 2009 Kia Forte
To start off, 2009 Kia Forte is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Suzuki Vitara. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Suzuki Vitara would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Kia Forte is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Kia Forte (156 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1998 Suzuki Vitara. (77 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Kia Forte should accelerate faster than 1998 Suzuki Vitara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Kia Forte weights approximately 238 kg more than 1998 Suzuki Vitara. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Suzuki Vitara is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Kia Forte. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Suzuki Vitara 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 Forte (195 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Suzuki Vitara. (127 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Kia Forte will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Suzuki Vitara.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Suzuki Vitara | 2009 Kia Forte | |
| Make | Suzuki | Kia |
| Model | Vitara | Forte |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1590 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 77 HP | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 127 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1228 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4529 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1775 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1710 mm | 1461 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2649 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 52 L |
