1997 Opel Frontera vs. 2012 Kia Soul
To start off, 2012 Kia Soul is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Opel Frontera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Opel Frontera would be higher. At 2,197 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Opel Frontera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Kia Soul (164 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1997 Opel Frontera. (134 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Kia Soul should accelerate faster than 1997 Opel Frontera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Opel Frontera weights approximately 379 kg more than 2012 Kia Soul.
Because 1997 Opel Frontera is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Kia Soul. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Opel Frontera 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, 1997 Opel Frontera (203 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Kia Soul. (200 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1997 Opel Frontera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Kia Soul. 2012 Kia Soul has automatic transmission and 1997 Opel Frontera has manual transmission. 1997 Opel Frontera will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Kia Soul will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Opel Frontera | 2012 Kia Soul | |
| Make | Opel | Kia |
| Model | Frontera | Soul |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2197 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 164 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1639 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4700 mm | 4120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2550 mm |
