1998 Kia Potentia vs. 2009 Kia Opirus
To start off, 2009 Kia Opirus is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Kia Potentia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Kia Potentia would be higher. At 3,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Kia Opirus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Kia Opirus (200 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1998 Kia Potentia. (138 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Kia Opirus should accelerate faster than 1998 Kia Potentia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Kia Opirus weights approximately 432 kg more than 1998 Kia Potentia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Kia Potentia is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1998 Kia Potentia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Kia Opirus, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2009 Kia Opirus (298 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Kia Potentia. (181 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Kia Opirus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Kia Potentia. 2009 Kia Opirus has automatic transmission and 1998 Kia Potentia has manual transmission. 1998 Kia Potentia will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Kia Opirus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Kia Potentia | 2009 Kia Opirus | |
| Make | Kia | Kia |
| Model | Potentia | Opirus |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 3497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.1 mm | 93.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.9 mm | 85.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 1897 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2810 mm |
