2008 Dodge Caliber vs. 2006 Kia Optima
To start off, 2008 Dodge Caliber 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 2,360 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Kia Optima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Dodge Caliber (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2006 Kia Optima. (138 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Dodge Caliber should accelerate faster than 2006 Kia Optima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Kia Optima weights approximately 63 kg more than 2008 Dodge Caliber.
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, 2006 Kia Optima (199 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Dodge Caliber. (170 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 2006 Kia Optima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Dodge Caliber.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Dodge Caliber | 2006 Kia Optima | |
| Make | Dodge | Kia |
| Model | Caliber | Optima |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1798 cc | 2360 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 199 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 86.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1425 kg | 1488 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.1 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.8 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.3 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 65 L |
