2006 Kia Optima vs. 2012 Nissan Sentra
To start off, 2012 Nissan Sentra is newer by 6 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, 2012 Nissan Sentra (140 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2006 Kia Optima. (138 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Sentra should accelerate faster than 2006 Kia Optima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Kia Optima weights approximately 686 kg more than 2012 Nissan Sentra.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, both vehicles can yield 199 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Kia Optima | 2012 Nissan Sentra | |
| Make | Kia | Nissan |
| Model | Optima | Sentra |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2360 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 199 Nm | 199 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2004 kg | 1318 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4567 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1791 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1511 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2685 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.8 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.7 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 55 L |
