1997 Honda Legend vs. 2013 Kia Optima
To start off, 2013 Kia Optima is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Honda Legend. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Honda Legend would be higher. At 3,474 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Honda Legend is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Kia Optima (270 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1997 Honda Legend. (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Kia Optima should accelerate faster than 1997 Honda Legend. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Honda Legend weights approximately 132 kg more than 2013 Kia Optima.
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, 2013 Kia Optima (365 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Honda Legend. (298 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2013 Kia Optima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Honda Legend.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Honda Legend | 2013 Kia Optima | |
| Make | Honda | Kia |
| Model | Legend | Optima |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3474 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 365 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1538 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4845 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1455 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2920 mm | 2795 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 70 L |
