1998 Dodge Intrepid vs. 2012 Kia Optima
To start off, 2012 Kia Optima is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Dodge Intrepid. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Dodge Intrepid would be higher. At 2,735 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Dodge Intrepid is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Kia Optima (274 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1998 Dodge Intrepid. (200 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Kia Optima should accelerate faster than 1998 Dodge Intrepid. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Dodge Intrepid weights approximately 35 kg more than 2012 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, 2012 Kia Optima (364 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Dodge Intrepid. (257 Nm @ 4850 RPM). This means 2012 Kia Optima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Dodge Intrepid.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Dodge Intrepid | 2012 Kia Optima | |
| Make | Dodge | Kia |
| Model | Intrepid | Optima |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2735 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 274 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 257 Nm | 364 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4850 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5180 mm | 4844 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1831 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1455 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2797 mm |
