2006 Kia Optima vs. 1996 Plymouth Prowler
To start off, 2006 Kia Optima is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Plymouth Prowler. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Plymouth Prowler would be higher. At 3,518 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Plymouth Prowler is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Plymouth Prowler (253 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 2006 Kia Optima. (170 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Plymouth Prowler should accelerate faster than 2006 Kia Optima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Kia Optima weights approximately 204 kg more than 1996 Plymouth Prowler.
Because 1996 Plymouth Prowler 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 Plymouth Prowler. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 1996 Plymouth Prowler (345 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Kia Optima. (245 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Plymouth Prowler will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Kia Optima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Kia Optima | 1996 Plymouth Prowler | |
| Make | Kia | Plymouth |
| Model | Optima | Prowler |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2671 cc | 3518 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 253 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 345 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.7 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.9:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1488 kg | 1284 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2880 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 46 L |
