2006 Kia Sportage vs. 2011 Kia Optima
To start off, 2011 Kia Optima is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Kia Sportage. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Kia Sportage would be higher. At 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Kia Optima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Kia Optima (200 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 2006 Kia Sportage. (110 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Kia Optima should accelerate faster than 2006 Kia Sportage. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Kia Sportage weights approximately 538 kg more than 2011 Kia Optima.
Because 2006 Kia Sportage is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2011 Kia Optima. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Kia Sportage 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, 2011 Kia Optima (252 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Kia Sportage. (251 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2011 Kia Optima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Kia Sportage. 2011 Kia Optima has automatic transmission and 2006 Kia Sportage has manual transmission. 2006 Kia Sportage will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Kia Optima will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Kia Sportage | 2011 Kia Optima | |
| Make | Kia | Kia |
| Model | Sportage | Optima |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2011 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 252 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2000 kg | 1462 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4844 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1831 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1700 mm | 1455 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2797 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 70 L |
