2009 Kia Sportage vs. 2011 Mazda Tribute
To start off, 2011 Mazda Tribute is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Kia Sportage. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Kia Sportage would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mazda Tribute is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mazda Tribute (171 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 2009 Kia Sportage. (139 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda Tribute should accelerate faster than 2009 Kia Sportage. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mazda Tribute weights approximately 199 kg more than 2009 Kia Sportage. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than 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, 2011 Mazda Tribute (232 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Kia Sportage. (188 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2011 Mazda Tribute will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Kia Sportage. 2009 Kia Sportage has automatic transmission and 2011 Mazda Tribute has manual transmission. 2011 Mazda Tribute will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Kia Sportage will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Kia Sportage | 2011 Mazda Tribute | |
| Make | Kia | Mazda |
| Model | Sportage | Tribute |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2011 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1974 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 232 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1285 kg | 1484 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4442 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1806 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1700 mm | 1725 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2619 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 66 L |
