2005 Kia Optima vs. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Kia Optima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Kia Optima would be higher. At 2,671 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Kia Optima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Kia Optima (170 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (158 HP @ 6700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Kia Optima should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Kia Optima weights approximately 358 kg more than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Kia Optima, 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 Optima (241 Nm) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (189 Nm). This means 2005 Kia Optima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Kia Optima | 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Kia | Mazda |
| Model | Optima | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2671 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 241 Nm | 189 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 83.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1487 kg | 1129 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.9 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.9 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.4 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 50 L |
