2003 Kia Sorento vs. 1979 Renault 12
To start off, 2003 Kia Sorento is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Renault 12. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Renault 12 would be higher. At 3,489 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Kia Sorento is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Kia Sorento (192 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 139 more horse power than 1979 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Kia Sorento should accelerate faster than 1979 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Kia Sorento weights approximately 1084 kg more than 1979 Renault 12. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Kia Sorento is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1979 Renault 12. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Kia Sorento 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 Kia Sorento (310 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 216 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Renault 12. (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Kia Sorento will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Renault 12. 2003 Kia Sorento has automatic transmission and 1979 Renault 12 has manual transmission. 1979 Renault 12 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Kia Sorento will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Kia Sorento | 1979 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Kia | Renault |
| Model | Sorento | 12 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3489 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 192 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.8 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1990 kg | 906 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1710 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 56 L |
