2006 Kia Optima vs. 2006 Lexus IS
To start off, both 2006 Kia Optima and 2006 Lexus IS were released in the same year (2006). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 2,360 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Kia Optima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Lexus IS (153 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 2006 Kia Optima. (138 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 2006 Kia Optima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Lexus IS weights approximately 17 kg more than 2006 Kia Optima. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Lexus IS 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 Lexus IS. 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, 2006 Kia Optima (199 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Lexus IS. (195 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2006 Kia Optima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Lexus IS.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Kia Optima | 2006 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Kia | Lexus |
| Model | Optima | IS |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2360 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 199 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.6 mm | 75.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1488 kg | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 9.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 70 L |
