1998 Buick Riviera vs. 2006 Kia Optima
To start off, 2006 Kia Optima is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 4,130 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Kia Optima (170 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1998 Buick Riviera. (125 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Kia Optima should accelerate faster than 1998 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Buick Riviera weights approximately 178 kg more than 2006 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, 1998 Buick Riviera (287 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Kia Optima. (245 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Kia Optima.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Buick Riviera | 2006 Kia Optima | |
| Make | Buick | Kia |
| Model | Riviera | Optima |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4130 cc | 2671 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 287 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100.7 mm | 86.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1666 kg | 1488 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 65 L |
