2003 Honda City vs. 2013 Kia Optima

To start off, 2013 Kia Optima is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Honda City. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Honda City would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Kia Optima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Kia Optima (270 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 176 more horse power than 2003 Honda City. (94 HP @ 6400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Kia Optima should accelerate faster than 2003 Honda City. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Kia Optima weights approximately 598 kg more than 2003 Honda City. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

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, 2013 Kia Optima (365 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 244 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Honda City. (121 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 2013 Kia Optima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Honda City. 2013 Kia Optima has automatic transmission and 2003 Honda City has manual transmission. 2003 Honda City will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2013 Kia Optima will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

2003 Honda City 2013 Kia Optima
Make Honda Kia
Model City Optima
Year Released 2003 2013
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1341 cc 2000 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Valves per Cylinder 4 valves 4 valves
Horse Power 94 HP 270 HP
Engine RPM 6400 RPM 6000 RPM
Torque 121 Nm 365 Nm
Torque RPM 4700 RPM 4500 RPM
Drive Type Front Front
Transmission Type Manual 6-speed automatic
Vehicle Weight 940 kg 1538 kg
Vehicle Length 4230 mm 4845 mm
Vehicle Width 1700 mm 1830 mm
Vehicle Height 1410 mm 1455 mm
Wheelbase Size 2510 mm 2795 mm