1997 Honda Life vs. 2007 Kia Optima
To start off, 2007 Kia Optima is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Honda Life. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Honda Life would be higher. At 2,654 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 Kia Optima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Kia Optima (185 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 138 more horse power than 1997 Honda Life. (47 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Kia Optima should accelerate faster than 1997 Honda Life. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Kia Optima weights approximately 697 kg more than 1997 Honda Life. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Honda Life is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2007 Kia Optima. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Honda Life 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, 2007 Kia Optima (247 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 189 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Honda Life. (58 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2007 Kia Optima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Honda Life. 2007 Kia Optima has automatic transmission and 1997 Honda Life has manual transmission. 1997 Honda Life will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Kia Optima will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Honda Life | 2007 Kia Optima | |
| Make | Honda | Kia |
| Model | Life | Optima |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 656 cc | 2654 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 58 Nm | 247 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 1487 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3410 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1660 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2730 mm |
