2008 Kia Sportage vs. 2003 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2008 Kia Sportage is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 3,801 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Mustang (188 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 2008 Kia Sportage. (139 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2008 Kia Sportage. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Kia Sportage weights approximately 132 kg more than 2003 Ford Mustang.
Because 2003 Ford Mustang is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2003 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Kia Sportage, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Ford Mustang (298 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Kia Sportage. (184 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Kia Sportage. 2003 Ford Mustang has automatic transmission and 2008 Kia Sportage has manual transmission. 2008 Kia Sportage will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Ford Mustang will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Kia Sportage | 2003 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Kia | Ford |
| Model | Sportage | Mustang |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1974 cc | 3801 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 188 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 184 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1740 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 45 L |
