2003 Toyota Solara vs. 2008 Kia Sorento
To start off, 2008 Kia Sorento is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Toyota Solara. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Toyota Solara would be higher. At 2,495 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Kia Sorento is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Toyota Solara (162 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 2008 Kia Sorento. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Toyota Solara should accelerate faster than 2008 Kia Sorento. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Kia Sorento weights approximately 661 kg more than 2003 Toyota Solara.
Because 2008 Kia Sorento is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Toyota Solara. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Kia Sorento (314 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Toyota Solara. (224 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Kia Sorento will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Toyota Solara. 2008 Kia Sorento has automatic transmission and 2003 Toyota Solara has manual transmission. 2003 Toyota Solara will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Kia Sorento will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Toyota Solara | 2008 Kia Sorento | |
| Make | Toyota | Kia |
| Model | Solara | Sorento |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2437 cc | 2495 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 162 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 314 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.5 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 2056 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1820 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2720 mm |
