2006 Honda Civic vs. 2012 Kia Optima
To start off, 2012 Kia Optima is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Honda Civic would be higher. At 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Kia Optima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Kia Optima (166 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 2006 Honda Civic. (140 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Kia Optima should accelerate faster than 2006 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Honda Civic weights approximately 409 kg more than 2012 Kia Optima.
Because 2006 Honda Civic is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Kia Optima. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Honda Civic 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, 2012 Kia Optima (209 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Honda Civic. (174 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2012 Kia Optima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Honda Civic. 2012 Kia Optima has automatic transmission and 2006 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 2006 Honda Civic will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Kia Optima will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Honda Civic | 2012 Kia Optima | |
| Make | Honda | Kia |
| Model | Civic | Optima |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1803 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 166 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 209 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1992 kg | 1583 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4844 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1831 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1455 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2797 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 6.2 L/100km | 5.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 7.8 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 65 L |
