1996 Honda Step Wagon vs. 2009 Kia Optima
To start off, 2009 Kia Optima is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Honda Step Wagon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Honda Step Wagon would be higher. At 2,399 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Kia Optima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Kia Optima (173 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1996 Honda Step Wagon. (123 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Kia Optima should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Step Wagon.
Because 1996 Honda Step Wagon is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Kia Optima. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Honda Step Wagon will offer significantly more control. 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 Honda Step Wagon (185 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Kia Optima. (169 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Honda Step Wagon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Kia Optima. 1996 Honda Step Wagon has automatic transmission and 2009 Kia Optima has manual transmission. 2009 Kia Optima will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Honda Step Wagon will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Step Wagon | 2009 Kia Optima | |
| Make | Honda | Kia |
| Model | Step Wagon | Optima |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1972 cc | 2399 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 185 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 96 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4610 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1840 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2730 mm |
