2003 Kia Opirus vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 5 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 6 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (190 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Kia Opirus should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Kia Opirus weights approximately 410 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Kia Opirus. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat 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, 2003 Kia Opirus (295 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (280 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2003 Kia Opirus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. 2003 Kia Opirus has automatic transmission and 2008 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 2008 Volkswagen Passat 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 | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Kia | Volkswagen |
| Model | Opirus | Passat |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3497 cc | 2771 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 196 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 295 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1760 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2710 mm |
