1996 Buick LeSabre vs. 2006 Kia Optima
To start off, 2006 Kia Optima is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Buick LeSabre. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Buick LeSabre would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Buick LeSabre is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Buick LeSabre (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 2006 Kia Optima. (138 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Buick LeSabre should accelerate faster than 2006 Kia Optima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Kia Optima weights approximately 510 kg more than 1996 Buick LeSabre.
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, 1996 Buick LeSabre (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Kia Optima. (199 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Buick LeSabre will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Kia Optima. 1996 Buick LeSabre has automatic transmission and 2006 Kia Optima has manual transmission. 2006 Kia Optima will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Buick LeSabre will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Buick LeSabre | 2006 Kia Optima | |
| Make | Buick | Kia |
| Model | LeSabre | Optima |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2351 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 199 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 86.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 100 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 2000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 65 L |
