2004 Kia Optima vs. 2006 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Kia Optima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Kia Optima would be higher. At 2,398 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Kia Optima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Kia Optima (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Kia Optima should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Kia Optima weights approximately 229 kg more than 2006 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, 2006 Volkswagen Passat (250 Nm) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Kia Optima. (199 Nm). This means 2006 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Kia Optima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Kia Optima | 2006 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Kia | Volkswagen |
| Model | Optima | Passat |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2398 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 199 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1549 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.8 L/100km | 4.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.7 L/100km | 7.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 5.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 70 L |
