2006 Kia Optima vs. 2007 Mazda MazdaSpeed6
To start off, 2007 Mazda MazdaSpeed6 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Kia Optima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Kia Optima would be higher. At 2,360 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Kia Optima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mazda MazdaSpeed6 (270 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 132 more horse power than 2006 Kia Optima. (138 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mazda MazdaSpeed6 should accelerate faster than 2006 Kia Optima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Kia Optima weights approximately 308 kg more than 2007 Mazda MazdaSpeed6.
Because 2007 Mazda MazdaSpeed6 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2006 Kia Optima. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Mazda MazdaSpeed6 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, 2007 Mazda MazdaSpeed6 (380 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 181 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Kia Optima. (199 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2007 Mazda MazdaSpeed6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Kia Optima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Kia Optima | 2007 Mazda MazdaSpeed6 | |
| Make | Kia | Mazda |
| Model | Optima | MazdaSpeed6 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2360 cc | 2260 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 199 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1488 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.8 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.2 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 60 L |
