2009 Ford Explorer vs. 1999 Kia Sportage
To start off, 2009 Ford Explorer is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Kia Sportage. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Kia Sportage would be higher. At 4,606 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Explorer (292 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 166 more horse power than 1999 Kia Sportage. (126 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 1999 Kia Sportage. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Kia Sportage weights approximately 485 kg more than 2009 Ford Explorer.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Ford Explorer (427 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 252 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Kia Sportage. (175 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Kia Sportage. 2009 Ford Explorer has automatic transmission and 1999 Kia Sportage has manual transmission. 1999 Kia Sportage will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Ford Explorer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Explorer | 1999 Kia Sportage | |
| Make | Ford | Kia |
| Model | Explorer | Sportage |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1999 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4606 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 292 HP | 126 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 972 kg | 1457 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1830 mm | 1660 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2660 mm |
