Hi folks,
Need actual opinions of fellow forummers who own either cars, as
I'm torn between the two. I'm comparing the "sports version" of the
2 so that to give equal footing. Note that the "sports version" of
both cars have nothing to do with engine, performance, or other
internal parts; they're just a collection of external accessories
for the car to look "sportier". 
I'm actually looking at the Hatchback version of the Cerato. Next
shipment is only due come April '05. 
I've test driven both cars, and the following is wat i've
found:
Built
I must say that the Cerato's built is impressive! Unlike older
Kia's where u'll have to worry abt closing the doors too tightly
(lest the hinges and windows fall off), the Cerato closes with a
solid "thump". I guess Kia has made significant improvements, among
other things?
Interior
Honestly, the interior of the standard "stock" version of Cerato is
very, very, very, very bland. One look at it and I dun want to even
get in. However, for $3k more, you'll get a "Premium Edition" with
Sports Rims, Leather Interior and Touchscreen DVD player. Defi.
worth the money if u ask me.
Having said that, I still prefer the interior of the "sports
version" of the lancer. The overall "feeling" when i'm at the
driver's seat beats the Cerato.
Specs
Specs and BHP-wise, both cars are very similiar, except that Lancer
uses SOHC, Cerato uses DOHC. The Cerato though, has a bigger and
roomier interior, and lots of legspace for rear passengers. The
rear passengers seats of the hatchback can be folded down for added
storage space.
Price
Currently, the price difference between the two is about $10k
(estimated).
Cerato
(Like)
- Shape (Hatchback)
- Quality of built
- Features (foldable seats, little pockets of storage space here
and there etc)
(Dislike)
- Brandname (kia 
)
- Probable poor resale value
- Reliability issue (korean vs japanese technology and
reliability)
Lancer
(Like)
- Very sporty shape
- Probable higher resale value
- Nice and solid interior
(Dislike)
- Price
Questions
1) One thing i'm not sure is fuel consumption, as Korean cars are
never known to be fuel-friendly. Any one got any feedback on FC for
both cars?
2) What's the difference between DOHC and SOHC engines? Is the
difference noticeable in everyday driving?
3) Are Korean cars really as bad as the market makes it out to be?
I've heard horror stories of Korean cars falling to pieces after
3,4 years of driving, even with decent maintenance. I'm no car
expert, and I don't know the internal circuitry or engineering
underneath the hood of the Cerato, but it certainly feels solid
enough to warrant a serious consideration.
Any further comments from actual owners of the above 2 cars? Any
comments will be appreciated. Any at all.
Thanks in advance!
