2008 Kia Sportage vs. 1997 Subaru Impreza
To start off, 2008 Kia Sportage is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Subaru Impreza. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Subaru Impreza would be higher. At 1,974 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Kia Sportage is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Kia Sportage (139 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1997 Subaru Impreza. (89 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Kia Sportage should accelerate faster than 1997 Subaru Impreza. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Kia Sportage weights approximately 537 kg more than 1997 Subaru Impreza. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Subaru Impreza is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Kia Sportage. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Subaru Impreza 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 Sportage (184 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Subaru Impreza. (128 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Kia Sportage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Subaru Impreza.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Kia Sportage | 1997 Subaru Impreza | |
| Make | Kia | Subaru |
| Model | Sportage | Impreza |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1997 |
| Body Type | SUV | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1974 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 184 Nm | 128 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.5 mm | 60 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 1005 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1740 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2530 mm |
