2008 Hyundai Sonata vs. 2003 Kia Sorento
To start off, 2008 Hyundai Sonata is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Kia Sorento. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Kia Sorento would be higher. At 2,359 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Kia Sorento is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 138 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Kia Sorento weights approximately 294 kg more than 2008 Hyundai Sonata.
Because 2003 Kia Sorento is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Hyundai Sonata. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Kia Sorento 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, 2003 Kia Sorento (314 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Hyundai Sonata. (305 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2003 Kia Sorento will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Hyundai Sonata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Hyundai Sonata | 2003 Kia Sorento | |
| Make | Hyundai | Kia |
| Model | Sonata | Sorento |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 2359 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 314 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1686 kg | 1980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1710 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
