1996 Ford Taurus vs. 2005 Kia Optima
To start off, 2005 Kia Optima is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Taurus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Taurus would be higher. At 3,392 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Taurus (235 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 2005 Kia Optima. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 2005 Kia Optima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Taurus weights approximately 95 kg more than 2005 Kia Optima. 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, 1996 Ford Taurus (312 Nm) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Kia Optima. (199 Nm). This means 1996 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Kia Optima.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Taurus | 2005 Kia Optima | |
| Make | Ford | Kia |
| Model | Taurus | Optima |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3392 cc | 2360 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 235 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 199 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 87.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1592 kg | 1497 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 65 L |
