1997 Honda Civic vs. 2006 Kia Optima
To start off, 2006 Kia Optima is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Honda Civic would be higher. At 2,351 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Kia Optima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 138 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Kia Optima weights approximately 830 kg more than 1997 Honda Civic.
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, 2006 Kia Optima (199 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Honda Civic. (174 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2006 Kia Optima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Honda Civic | 2006 Kia Optima | |
| Make | Honda | Kia |
| Model | Civic | Optima |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1832 cc | 2351 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 199 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 2000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2710 mm |
