2008 Kia Sportage vs. 2009 Toyota Tacoma
To start off, 2009 Toyota Tacoma is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Kia Sportage. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Kia Sportage would be higher. At 2,694 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Toyota Tacoma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Toyota Tacoma (159 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2008 Kia Sportage. (139 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Toyota Tacoma should accelerate faster than 2008 Kia Sportage. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Kia Sportage weights approximately 212 kg more than 2009 Toyota Tacoma.
Because 2009 Toyota Tacoma 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 2009 Toyota Tacoma. 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, 2009 Toyota Tacoma (245 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Kia Sportage. (184 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Toyota Tacoma will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Kia Sportage.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Kia Sportage | 2009 Toyota Tacoma | |
| Make | Kia | Toyota |
| Model | Sportage | Tacoma |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | SUV | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1974 cc | 2694 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 184 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 3 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1740 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.2 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 79 L |
