2009 Kia Sportage vs. 1998 Mazda Levante
To start off, 2009 Kia Sportage is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mazda Levante. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mazda Levante would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Mazda Levante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mazda Levante (139 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2009 Kia Sportage. (109 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mazda Levante should accelerate faster than 2009 Kia Sportage. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Kia Sportage weights approximately 25 kg more than 1998 Mazda Levante.
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 Kia Sportage (251 Nm) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda Levante. (190 Nm). This means 2009 Kia Sportage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mazda Levante. 1998 Mazda Levante has automatic transmission and 2009 Kia Sportage has manual transmission. 2009 Kia Sportage will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mazda Levante will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Kia Sportage | 1998 Mazda Levante | |
| Make | Kia | Mazda |
| Model | Sportage | Levante |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1285 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 3820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1700 mm | 1700 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2230 mm |
