2003 Kia Sorento vs. 1998 Toyota RAV4
To start off, 2003 Kia Sorento is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Toyota RAV4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Toyota RAV4 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 62 more horse power than 1998 Toyota RAV4. (130 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Kia Sorento should accelerate faster than 1998 Toyota RAV4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Kia Sorento weights approximately 705 kg more than 1998 Toyota RAV4. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or 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, 2003 Kia Sorento (310 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Toyota RAV4. (178 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2003 Kia Sorento will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Toyota RAV4. 2003 Kia Sorento has automatic transmission and 1998 Toyota RAV4 has manual transmission. 1998 Toyota RAV4 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 | 1998 Toyota RAV4 | |
| Make | Kia | Toyota |
| Model | Sorento | RAV4 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1998 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3489 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 192 HP | 130 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 178 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.8 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1990 kg | 1285 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1700 mm |
