2005 Kia Opirus vs. 1996 Mazda Sentia
To start off, 2005 Kia Opirus is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mazda Sentia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mazda Sentia would be higher. At 3,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Kia Opirus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Kia Opirus (196 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1996 Mazda Sentia. (158 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Kia Opirus should accelerate faster than 1996 Mazda Sentia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Kia Opirus weights approximately 194 kg more than 1996 Mazda Sentia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Mazda Sentia 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 1996 Mazda Sentia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2005 Kia Opirus (294 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mazda Sentia. (245 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2005 Kia Opirus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mazda Sentia.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Kia Opirus | 1996 Mazda Sentia | |
| Make | Kia | Mazda |
| Model | Opirus | Sentia |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3497 cc | 2954 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 196 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1760 kg | 1566 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2860 mm |
