1998 Honda Accord vs. 2009 Kia Optima
To start off, 2009 Kia Optima is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Honda Accord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Honda Accord would be higher. At 2,399 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Kia Optima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Kia Optima (173 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1998 Honda Accord. (134 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Kia Optima should accelerate faster than 1998 Honda Accord.
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 Honda Accord (184 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Kia Optima. (169 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Honda Accord will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Kia Optima.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Honda Accord | 2009 Kia Optima | |
| Make | Honda | Kia |
| Model | Accord | Optima |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 2399 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 184 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1490 mm |
