1998 Opel Speedster vs. 2011 Kia Soul
To start off, 2011 Kia Soul is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Opel Speedster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Opel Speedster would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Kia Soul is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Opel Speedster (198 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 2011 Kia Soul. (142 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Opel Speedster should accelerate faster than 2011 Kia Soul. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Kia Soul weights approximately 265 kg more than 1998 Opel Speedster.
Because 1998 Opel Speedster 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 Opel Speedster. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Kia Soul, 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, 1998 Opel Speedster (250 Nm @ 1950 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Kia Soul. (186 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1998 Opel Speedster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Kia Soul.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Opel Speedster | 2011 Kia Soul | |
| Make | Opel | Kia |
| Model | Speedster | Soul |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 198 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1950 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1005 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4105 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2550 mm |
