2012 Kia Sportage vs. 2012 Nissan Maxima
To start off, both 2012 Kia Sportage and 2012 Nissan Maxima were released in the same year (2012). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Maxima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Maxima (290 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 2012 Kia Sportage. (176 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Maxima should accelerate faster than 2012 Kia Sportage. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Maxima weights approximately 161 kg more than 2012 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, 2012 Nissan Maxima (353 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Kia Sportage. (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Maxima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Kia Sportage.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Kia Sportage | 2012 Nissan Maxima | |
| Make | Kia | Nissan |
| Model | Sportage | Maxima |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2400 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 176 HP | 290 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 228 Nm | 353 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed shiftable automatic | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1606 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4841 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1854 mm | 1859 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1636 mm | 1468 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2639 mm | 2776 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.4 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.7 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 76 L |
