2003 Ford Explorer 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 Ford Explorer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Ford Explorer would be higher. At 4,014 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Kia Sportage (260 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 2003 Ford Explorer. (210 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Kia Sportage should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Explorer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Explorer weights approximately 437 kg more than 2012 Kia Sportage.
Because 2003 Ford Explorer 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 Ford Explorer 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 29 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Explorer. (335 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Kia Sportage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Explorer. 2012 Kia Sportage has automatic transmission and 2003 Ford Explorer has manual transmission. 2003 Ford Explorer will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Kia Sportage will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Explorer | 2012 Kia Sportage | |
| Make | Ford | Kia |
| Model | Explorer | Sportage |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4014 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 260 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 335 Nm | 364 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1850 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1939 kg | 1502 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5240 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1854 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1636 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3490 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.8 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 15.7 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 58 L |
