1999 Kia Sportage vs. 2003 Nissan 350Z
To start off, 2003 Nissan 350Z is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Kia Sportage. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Kia Sportage would be higher. At 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Nissan 350Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Nissan 350Z (283 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 157 more horse power than 1999 Kia Sportage. (126 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Nissan 350Z should accelerate faster than 1999 Kia Sportage. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Nissan 350Z weights approximately 7 kg more than 1999 Kia Sportage. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 Kia Sportage is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Nissan 350Z. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 2003 Nissan 350Z (371 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 196 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Kia Sportage. (175 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 2003 Nissan 350Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Kia Sportage.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Kia Sportage | 2003 Nissan 350Z | |
| Make | Kia | Nissan |
| Model | Sportage | 350Z |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 126 HP | 283 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 371 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.1 mm | 81.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1457 kg | 1464 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1660 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2660 mm |
