2003 Kia Opirus vs. 2009 Pontiac Solstice
To start off, 2009 Pontiac Solstice is newer by 6 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 25 more horse power than 2009 Pontiac Solstice. (171 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Kia Opirus should accelerate faster than 2009 Pontiac Solstice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Kia Opirus weights approximately 431 kg more than 2009 Pontiac Solstice. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Pontiac Solstice is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2009 Pontiac Solstice. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Kia Opirus, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 128 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Pontiac Solstice. (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 Kia Opirus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Pontiac Solstice.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Kia Opirus | 2009 Pontiac Solstice | |
| Make | Kia | Pontiac |
| Model | Opirus | Solstice |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3497 cc | 2382 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 196 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 295 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1760 kg | 1329 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2610 mm |
