2008 Hyundai Sonata 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 Hyundai Sonata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Hyundai Sonata would be higher. At 2,359 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Hyundai Sonata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Hyundai Sonata (162 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 2009 Kia Sportage. (111 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Hyundai Sonata should accelerate faster than 2009 Kia Sportage. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Kia Sportage weights approximately 629 kg more than 2008 Hyundai Sonata.
Because 2009 Kia Sportage 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, 2009 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, 2009 Kia Sportage (245 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Hyundai Sonata. (222 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2009 Kia Sportage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Hyundai Sonata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Hyundai Sonata | 2009 Kia Sportage | |
| Make | Hyundai | Kia |
| Model | Sonata | Sportage |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2359 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 162 HP | 111 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1058 kg | 1687 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4800 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.8 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 58 L |
