2008 Kia Sorento vs. 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle

To start off, 2008 Kia Sorento is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle would be higher. At 2,497 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Kia Sorento is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Kia Sorento (139 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. (113 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Kia Sorento should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Kia Sorento weights approximately 690 kg more than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 2008 Kia Sorento is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Kia Sorento (320 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 155 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. (165 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2008 Kia Sorento will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. 2008 Kia Sorento has automatic transmission and 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle has manual transmission. 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Kia Sorento will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

2008 Kia Sorento 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
Make Kia Volkswagen
Model Sorento New Beetle
Year Released 2008 2003
Body Type SUV Convertible
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 2497 cc 1983 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Valves per Cylinder 4 valves 2 valves
Horse Power 139 HP 113 HP
Engine RPM 3800 RPM 5000 RPM
Torque 320 Nm 165 Nm
Torque RPM 2000 RPM 2600 RPM
Engine Bore Size 91.1 mm 82.5 mm
Engine Stroke Size 96 mm 92.8 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 17.7:1 10.5:1
Fuel Type Diesel Gasoline
Drive Type 4WD Front
Transmission Type Automatic Manual
Number of Seats 5 seats 4 seats
Number of Doors 5 doors 3 doors
Vehicle Weight 2090 kg 1400 kg
Vehicle Length 5010 mm 4100 mm
Vehicle Height 1490 mm 1510 mm
Wheelbase Size 2720 mm 2510 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 80 L 55 L