1998 Tata Safari 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 Tata Safari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Tata Safari would be higher. At 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Kia Optima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Kia Optima (166 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1998 Tata Safari. (89 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Kia Optima should accelerate faster than 1998 Tata Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Tata Safari weights approximately 457 kg more than 2012 Kia Optima.
Because 1998 Tata Safari is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Kia Optima. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Tata Safari 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, 2012 Kia Optima (209 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Tata Safari. (191 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2012 Kia Optima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Tata Safari. 2012 Kia Optima has automatic transmission and 1998 Tata Safari has manual transmission. 1998 Tata Safari will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Kia Optima will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Tata Safari | 2012 Kia Optima | |
| Make | Tata | Kia |
| Model | Safari | Optima |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1948 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 166 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 191 Nm | 209 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 1583 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4844 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1831 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1930 mm | 1455 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2797 mm |
