2004 Kia Opirus vs. 2003 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2004 Kia Opirus is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 3,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Kia Opirus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Kia Opirus (196 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen Passat. (135 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Kia Opirus should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Kia Opirus weights approximately 271 kg more than 2003 Volkswagen Passat. 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 Volkswagen Passat (350 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Kia Opirus. (294 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Kia Opirus. 2004 Kia Opirus has automatic transmission and 2003 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 2003 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Kia Opirus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Kia Opirus | 2003 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Kia | Volkswagen |
| Model | Opirus | Passat |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3497 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 196 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.8 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| 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 | 1489 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 |
