2006 Kia Sportage vs. 2012 Kia Forte
To start off, 2012 Kia Forte is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Kia Sportage. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Kia Sportage would be higher. At 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Kia Forte is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Kia Forte (173 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 2006 Kia Sportage. (140 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Kia Forte should accelerate faster than 2006 Kia Sportage. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Kia Sportage weights approximately 214 kg more than 2012 Kia Forte.
Because 2006 Kia Sportage is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Kia Forte. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Kia Sportage 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, 2012 Kia Forte (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Kia Sportage. (188 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Kia Forte will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Kia Sportage.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Kia Sportage | 2012 Kia Forte | |
| Make | Kia | Kia |
| Model | Sportage | Forte |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1975 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1549 kg | 1335 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4341 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1775 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1700 mm | 1461 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2649 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 52 L |
