2008 Chevrolet Equinox vs. 2009 Kia Forte

To start off, 2009 Kia Forte is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Chevrolet Equinox. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Chevrolet Equinox would be higher. At 3,425 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Chevrolet Equinox is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Chevrolet Equinox (185 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 2009 Kia Forte. (156 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Chevrolet Equinox should accelerate faster than 2009 Kia Forte. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Chevrolet Equinox weights approximately 518 kg more than 2009 Kia Forte. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 2008 Chevrolet Equinox is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Kia Forte. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Chevrolet Equinox 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 Chevrolet Equinox (285 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Kia Forte. (195 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2008 Chevrolet Equinox will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Kia Forte. 2008 Chevrolet Equinox has automatic transmission and 2009 Kia Forte has manual transmission. 2009 Kia Forte will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Chevrolet Equinox will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

2008 Chevrolet Equinox 2009 Kia Forte
Make Chevrolet Kia
Model Equinox Forte
Year Released 2008 2009
Body Type SUV Coupe
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 3425 cc 2000 cc
Engine Cylinders 6 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type V in-line
Valves per Cylinder 2 valves 4 valves
Horse Power 185 HP 156 HP
Engine RPM 5200 RPM 6200 RPM
Torque 285 Nm 195 Nm
Torque RPM 3800 RPM 4300 RPM
Drive Type 4WD Front
Transmission Type Automatic Manual
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 5 doors 2 doors
Vehicle Weight 1750 kg 1232 kg
Vehicle Length 4800 mm 4481 mm
Vehicle Width 1820 mm 1765 mm
Vehicle Height 1710 mm 1400 mm
Wheelbase Size 2860 mm 2649 mm
Fuel Consumption Highway 9.6 L/100km 6.9 L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity 61 L 52 L