2009 Kia Sorento vs. 2003 Chevrolet Prizm
To start off, 2009 Kia Sorento is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Chevrolet Prizm. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Chevrolet Prizm would be higher. At 2,497 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Kia Sorento is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Kia Sorento (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 2003 Chevrolet Prizm. (123 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Kia Sorento should accelerate faster than 2003 Chevrolet Prizm. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Kia Sorento weights approximately 966 kg more than 2003 Chevrolet Prizm. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Kia Sorento is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Chevrolet Prizm. 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 (315 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 146 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Chevrolet Prizm. (169 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Kia Sorento will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Chevrolet Prizm. 2003 Chevrolet Prizm 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. 2003 Chevrolet Prizm will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Kia Sorento | 2003 Chevrolet Prizm | |
| Make | Kia | Chevrolet |
| Model | Sorento | Prizm |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2003 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 315 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| 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 | 2056 kg | 1090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1820 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2470 mm |
