2006 Kia Optima vs. 2009 Nissan Frontier
To start off, 2009 Nissan Frontier is newer by 3 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 3,954 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Nissan Frontier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Frontier (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 2006 Kia Optima. (170 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Frontier should accelerate faster than 2006 Kia Optima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Kia Optima weights approximately 158 kg more than 2009 Nissan Frontier.
Because 2009 Nissan Frontier 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 2009 Nissan Frontier. 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, 2009 Nissan Frontier (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Kia Optima. (245 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Frontier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Kia Optima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Kia Optima | 2009 Nissan Frontier | |
| Make | Kia | Nissan |
| Model | Optima | Frontier |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2671 cc | 3954 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 16.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1487 kg | 1329 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 5230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 3200 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.7 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.8 L/100km | 15.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.2 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 80 L |
