2006 Kia Optima vs. 2008 Subaru Forester
To start off, 2008 Subaru Forester is newer by 2 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 2,671 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Kia Optima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Kia Optima (170 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 2008 Subaru Forester. (124 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Kia Optima should accelerate faster than 2008 Subaru Forester. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Kia Optima weights approximately 52 kg more than 2008 Subaru Forester. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Subaru Forester 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, 2008 Subaru Forester 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, 2006 Kia Optima (245 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Subaru Forester. (184 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2006 Kia Optima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Subaru Forester.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Kia Optima | 2008 Subaru Forester | |
| Make | Kia | Subaru |
| Model | Optima | Forester |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2671 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 184 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.8 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1487 kg | 1435 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.2 L/100km | 8.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 60 L |
