2008 Honda Civic vs. 2006 Kia Optima
To start off, 2008 Honda Civic 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 Honda Civic (197 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 2006 Kia Optima. (138 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 2006 Kia Optima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Kia Optima weights approximately 822 kg more than 2008 Honda Civic.
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 11 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Honda Civic. (188 Nm @ 6100 RPM). This means 2006 Kia Optima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Honda Civic | 2006 Kia Optima | |
| Make | Honda | Kia |
| Model | Civic | Optima |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2360 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 199 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6100 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1182 kg | 2004 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.1 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.2 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.8 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 65 L |
