2006 Chevrolet SSR vs. 2010 Kia Optima

To start off, 2010 Kia Optima is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Chevrolet SSR. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Chevrolet SSR would be higher. At 5,965 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Chevrolet SSR is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Chevrolet SSR (401 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 226 more horse power than 2010 Kia Optima. (175 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Chevrolet SSR should accelerate faster than 2010 Kia Optima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Kia Optima weights approximately 372 kg more than 2006 Chevrolet SSR.

Because 2006 Chevrolet SSR 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 Chevrolet SSR. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 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, 2006 Chevrolet SSR (542 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 313 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Kia Optima. (229 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Chevrolet SSR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Kia Optima. 2010 Kia Optima has automatic transmission and 2006 Chevrolet SSR has manual transmission. 2006 Chevrolet SSR will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2010 Kia Optima will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

2006 Chevrolet SSR 2010 Kia Optima
Make Chevrolet Kia
Model SSR Optima
Year Released 2006 2010
Body Type Pickup Sedan
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 5965 cc 2400 cc
Engine Cylinders 8 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type V in-line
Valves per Cylinder 2 valves 4 valves
Horse Power 401 HP 175 HP
Engine RPM 6000 RPM 6000 RPM
Torque 542 Nm 229 Nm
Torque RPM 4000 RPM 4000 RPM
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Number of Seats 2 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 4 doors
Vehicle Weight 1078 kg 1450 kg
Vehicle Length 4870 mm 4801 mm
Vehicle Width 2000 mm 1806 mm
Vehicle Height 1630 mm 1481 mm
Wheelbase Size 2950 mm 2720 mm
Fuel Consumption Highway 12.4 L/100km 7.4 L/100km
Fuel Consumption City 15.7 L/100km 10.7 L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity 95 L 62 L