2008 Ford S-Max vs. 2009 Kia Sportage
To start off, 2009 Kia Sportage is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Ford S-Max. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Ford S-Max would be higher. At 2,656 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Kia Sportage is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Kia Sportage (174 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 2008 Ford S-Max. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Kia Sportage should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford S-Max. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Kia Sportage weights approximately 340 kg more than 2008 Ford S-Max. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than 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, 2008 Ford S-Max (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Kia Sportage. (241 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Ford S-Max will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Kia Sportage. 2009 Kia Sportage has automatic transmission and 2008 Ford S-Max has manual transmission. 2008 Ford S-Max will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Kia Sportage will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford S-Max | 2009 Kia Sportage | |
| Make | Ford | Kia |
| Model | S-Max | Sportage |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Minivan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 2656 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 174 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 17.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1743 kg | 2083 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1660 mm | 1700 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.4 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 65 L |
