2009 Nissan Altima vs. 2012 Kia Sportage
To start off, 2012 Kia Sportage is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Nissan Altima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Nissan Altima would be higher. At 3,490 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Altima (270 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 2012 Kia Sportage. (176 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 2012 Kia Sportage.
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, 2009 Nissan Altima (350 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Kia Sportage. (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Kia Sportage.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Nissan Altima | 2012 Kia Sportage | |
| Make | Nissan | Kia |
| Model | Altima | Sportage |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3490 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 270 HP | 176 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1854 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1636 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.7 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 58 L |
