2003 Kia Opirus vs. 2006 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Kia Opirus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Kia Opirus would be higher. At 3,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Kia Opirus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Kia Opirus (196 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 122 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Kia Opirus should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Kia Opirus weights approximately 571 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. 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, 2003 Kia Opirus (295 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 169 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. (126 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2003 Kia Opirus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. 2003 Kia Opirus has automatic transmission and 2006 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2006 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Kia Opirus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Kia Opirus | 2006 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Kia | Volkswagen |
| Model | Opirus | Golf |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3497 cc | 1389 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 196 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 295 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.8 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1760 kg | 1189 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2520 mm |
