2007 Kia Sportage vs. 1998 Nissan Maxima
To start off, 2007 Kia Sportage is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Nissan Maxima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Nissan Maxima would be higher. At 1,995 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Nissan Maxima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Kia Sportage (139 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1998 Nissan Maxima. (138 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Kia Sportage should accelerate faster than 1998 Nissan Maxima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Nissan Maxima weights approximately 21 kg more than 2007 Kia Sportage.
Because 2007 Kia Sportage is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Nissan Maxima. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 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, 2007 Kia Sportage (188 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Nissan Maxima. (177 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2007 Kia Sportage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Nissan Maxima. 2007 Kia Sportage has automatic transmission and 1998 Nissan Maxima has manual transmission. 1998 Nissan Maxima will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Kia Sportage will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Kia Sportage | 1998 Nissan Maxima | |
| Make | Kia | Nissan |
| Model | Sportage | Maxima |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1998 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1975 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1324 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1700 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2710 mm |
