2007 Kia Optima vs. 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 2007 Kia Optima is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis would be higher. At 4,605 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis (224 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 2007 Kia Optima. (185 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis should accelerate faster than 2007 Kia Optima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 349 kg more than 2007 Kia Optima. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis 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 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 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, 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis (373 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Kia Optima. (247 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Kia Optima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Kia Optima | 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | Kia | Mercury |
| Model | Optima | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2654 cc | 4605 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 224 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 247 Nm | 373 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 6 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1487 kg | 1836 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 5390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2920 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.8 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.7 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 72 L |
