1998 Honda Today vs. 2007 Kia Optima
To start off, 2007 Kia Optima is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Honda Today. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Honda Today 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 1998 Honda Today. (47 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Kia Optima should accelerate faster than 1998 Honda Today. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Kia Optima weights approximately 777 kg more than 1998 Honda Today. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Honda Today 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, 1998 Honda Today 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 190 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Honda Today. (57 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2007 Kia Optima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Honda Today. 2007 Kia Optima has automatic transmission and 1998 Honda Today has manual transmission. 1998 Honda Today 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:
| 1998 Honda Today | 2007 Kia Optima | |
| Make | Honda | Kia |
| Model | Today | Optima |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 655 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 | 57 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 |
| Vehicle Weight | 710 kg | 1487 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3300 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1400 mm | 1810 mm |
