2003 Acura MDX vs. 2012 Kia Sportage
To start off, 2012 Kia Sportage is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Acura MDX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Acura MDX would be higher. At 3,471 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Acura MDX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Kia Sportage (260 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 2003 Acura MDX. (238 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Kia Sportage should accelerate faster than 2003 Acura MDX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Acura MDX weights approximately 468 kg more than 2012 Kia Sportage.
Because 2003 Acura MDX is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Kia Sportage. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Acura MDX 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 Sportage (364 Nm @ 1850 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Acura MDX. (333 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Kia Sportage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Acura MDX.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Acura MDX | 2012 Kia Sportage | |
| Make | Acura | Kia |
| Model | MDX | Sportage |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3471 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 260 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 364 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1850 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1970 kg | 1502 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4800 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1854 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1636 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 58 L |
