2012 Hyundai Sonata vs. 2003 Kia Sorento
To start off, 2012 Hyundai Sonata is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Kia Sorento. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Kia Sorento would be higher. At 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Hyundai Sonata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Hyundai Sonata (198 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 2003 Kia Sorento. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Hyundai Sonata should accelerate faster than 2003 Kia Sorento. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Kia Sorento weights approximately 546 kg more than 2012 Hyundai Sonata.
Because 2003 Kia Sorento is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Hyundai Sonata. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2003 Kia Sorento (314 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Hyundai Sonata. (249 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2003 Kia Sorento will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Hyundai Sonata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Hyundai Sonata | 2003 Kia Sorento | |
| Make | Hyundai | Kia |
| Model | Sonata | Sorento |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2400 cc | 2359 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 198 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 249 Nm | 314 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1434 kg | 1980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4821 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1834 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1471 mm | 1710 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2794 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
