2002 Ford Taurus vs. 2006 Kia Optima
To start off, 2006 Kia Optima is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Ford Taurus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Ford Taurus would be higher. At 2,933 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Ford Taurus (153 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 2006 Kia Optima. (138 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 2006 Kia Optima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Kia Optima weights approximately 11 kg more than 2002 Ford Taurus.
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, 2002 Ford Taurus (244 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Kia Optima. (199 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2002 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Kia Optima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Ford Taurus | 2006 Kia Optima | |
| Make | Ford | Kia |
| Model | Taurus | Optima |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2933 cc | 2360 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 244 Nm | 199 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1477 kg | 1488 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.8 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 65 L |
