2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara vs. 2011 Kia Soul
To start off, 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 Kia Soul. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Kia Soul would be higher. At 2,393 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara (166 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 2011 Kia Soul. (138 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara should accelerate faster than 2011 Kia Soul. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara weights approximately 387 kg more than 2011 Kia Soul. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Kia Soul, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Suzuki Grand Vitara (219 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Kia Soul. (167 Nm @ 4850 RPM). This means 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Kia Soul. 2011 Kia Soul has automatic transmission and 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara has manual transmission. 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Kia Soul will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara | 2011 Kia Soul | |
| Make | Suzuki | Kia |
| Model | Grand Vitara | Soul |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2011 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2393 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 166 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 219 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4850 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1573 kg | 1186 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1695 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 48 L |
