2002 Nissan Maxima vs. 2012 Kia Sportage
To start off, 2012 Kia Sportage is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Nissan Maxima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Nissan Maxima would be higher. At 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Kia Sportage is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Kia Sportage (176 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 2002 Nissan Maxima. (138 HP @ 6400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Kia Sportage should accelerate faster than 2002 Nissan Maxima.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Sportage (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Nissan Maxima. (181 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Kia Sportage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Nissan Maxima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Nissan Maxima | 2012 Kia Sportage | |
| Make | Nissan | Kia |
| Model | Maxima | Sportage |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 176 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4930 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1854 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1636 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2639 mm |
