2005 Kia Optima vs. 2006 Subaru Outback
To start off, 2006 Subaru Outback 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, 2006 Subaru Outback (250 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 2005 Kia Optima. (170 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Subaru Outback should accelerate faster than 2005 Kia Optima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Subaru Outback weights approximately 62 kg more than 2005 Kia Optima. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Subaru Outback is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2005 Kia Optima. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Subaru Outback will offer significantly more control. 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 Subaru Outback (339 Nm) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Kia Optima. (241 Nm). This means 2006 Subaru Outback will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Kia Optima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Kia Optima | 2006 Subaru Outback | |
| Make | Kia | Subaru |
| Model | Optima | Outback |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2671 cc | 2458 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 250 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 241 Nm | 339 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 74.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1487 kg | 1549 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.9 L/100km | 9.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.9 L/100km | 12.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.4 L/100km | 11.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 64 L |
