2006 Nissan Hardbody vs. 2012 Kia Sportage
To start off, 2012 Kia Sportage is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Nissan Hardbody. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Nissan Hardbody would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Kia Sportage is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Kia Sportage (260 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 137 more horse power than 2006 Nissan Hardbody. (123 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Kia Sportage should accelerate faster than 2006 Nissan Hardbody.
Because 2006 Nissan Hardbody is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2006 Nissan Hardbody. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Kia Sportage, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Sportage (364 Nm @ 1850 RPM) has 190 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Nissan Hardbody. (174 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2012 Kia Sportage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Nissan Hardbody. 2012 Kia Sportage has automatic transmission and 2006 Nissan Hardbody has manual transmission. 2006 Nissan Hardbody will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Kia Sportage will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Nissan Hardbody | 2012 Kia Sportage | |
| Make | Nissan | Kia |
| Model | Hardbody | Sportage |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 260 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 364 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 1850 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 58 L |
