2008 Kia Sportage vs. 2004 Lexus LS
To start off, 2008 Kia Sportage is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Lexus LS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Lexus LS would be higher. At 4,293 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Lexus LS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Lexus LS (278 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 139 more horse power than 2008 Kia Sportage. (139 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Lexus LS should accelerate faster than 2008 Kia Sportage. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Lexus LS weights approximately 270 kg more than 2008 Kia Sportage. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Lexus LS 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 2004 Lexus LS. 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, 2004 Lexus LS (434 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 250 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Kia Sportage. (184 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2004 Lexus LS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Kia Sportage. 2004 Lexus LS 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. 2004 Lexus LS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Kia Sportage | 2004 Lexus LS | |
| Make | Kia | Lexus |
| Model | Sportage | LS |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2004 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1974 cc | 4293 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 278 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 184 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.5 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 1812 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 5020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1740 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2930 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.2 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 84 L |
