2009 Kia Sorento vs. 2002 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2009 Kia Sorento is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Nissan Altima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Nissan Altima would be higher. At 3,505 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Nissan Altima (247 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 2009 Kia Sorento. (139 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 2009 Kia Sorento. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Kia Sorento weights approximately 650 kg more than 2002 Nissan Altima.
Because 2009 Kia Sorento is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2002 Nissan Altima. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Kia Sorento 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, 2009 Kia Sorento (350 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Nissan Altima. (338 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2009 Kia Sorento will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Nissan Altima. 2002 Nissan Altima has automatic transmission and 2009 Kia Sorento has manual transmission. 2009 Kia Sorento will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Nissan Altima will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Kia Sorento | 2002 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Kia | Nissan |
| Model | Sorento | Altima |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2002 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 3505 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 247 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 338 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 91 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 81 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2065 kg | 1415 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1870 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 73 L |
