2009 Kia Sportage vs. 2003 Lexus IS
To start off, 2009 Kia Sportage is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Lexus IS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Lexus IS would be higher. At 2,656 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Kia Sportage is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Kia Sportage (173 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2003 Lexus IS. (153 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Kia Sportage should accelerate faster than 2003 Lexus IS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Lexus IS weights approximately 115 kg more than 2009 Kia Sportage.
Because 2009 Kia Sportage is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Lexus IS. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Kia Sportage 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 Sportage (242 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Lexus IS. (196 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2009 Kia Sportage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Lexus IS.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Kia Sportage | 2003 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Kia | Lexus |
| Model | Sportage | IS |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2003 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2656 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 242 Nm | 196 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1285 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1700 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 70 L |
