2003 Kia Sorento vs. 1999 Nissan Xterra
To start off, 2003 Kia Sorento is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Nissan Xterra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Nissan Xterra 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 51 more horse power than 1999 Nissan Xterra. (141 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Kia Sorento should accelerate faster than 1999 Nissan Xterra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Kia Sorento weights approximately 406 kg more than 1999 Nissan Xterra. 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 101 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Nissan Xterra. (209 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Kia Sorento will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Nissan Xterra. 2003 Kia Sorento has automatic transmission and 1999 Nissan Xterra has manual transmission. 1999 Nissan Xterra 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 | 1999 Nissan Xterra | |
| Make | Kia | Nissan |
| Model | Sorento | Xterra |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1999 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3489 cc | 2393 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 192 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 209 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.8 mm | 96 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1990 kg | 1584 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1710 mm | 1890 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2660 mm |
