2006 Kia Sportage vs. 1996 Toyota 4Runner
To start off, 2006 Kia Sportage is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Toyota 4Runner. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Toyota 4Runner would be higher. At 2,982 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Toyota 4Runner is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Kia Sportage (173 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1996 Toyota 4Runner. (123 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Kia Sportage should accelerate faster than 1996 Toyota 4Runner. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Toyota 4Runner weights approximately 180 kg more than 2006 Kia Sportage.
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, 1996 Toyota 4Runner (295 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Kia Sportage. (242 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Toyota 4Runner will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Kia Sportage. 2006 Kia Sportage has automatic transmission and 1996 Toyota 4Runner has manual transmission. 1996 Toyota 4Runner will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Kia Sportage will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Kia Sportage | 1996 Toyota 4Runner | |
| Make | Kia | Toyota |
| Model | Sportage | 4Runner |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1996 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2655 cc | 2982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 242 Nm | 295 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.7 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 103 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1850 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1700 mm |
