Quote
...locked and loaded Samurais, they had 1.3L, 205/70R15 tires with 3.73 gears stock. The available gear ratios were 4.57, 4.88 and 5.12...


Samurai transfer cases are not direct (1:1) in high range like the KIA (and just about every other 4x4) High range has a 1.409:1 reduction. (low range is 2.268:1) So camparing final drive ratios and their effects on perceived power between a Sportage and a Sammy is kinda an apples/oranges thing. Just my .02.

'99 Sportage 4dr EX 5-speed, unmolested
'98 Sportage 4dr Auto 2wd
'96 Sportage 4dr Auto,235-75x29"tires, custom fabbed hidden receiver hitch and big plans.