2008 Kia Carens vs. 2006 Kia Optima
To start off, 2008 Kia Carens 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 2,351 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Kia Optima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Kia Optima (138 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 2008 Kia Carens. (124 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Kia Optima should accelerate faster than 2008 Kia Carens.
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 37 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Kia Carens. (162 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2006 Kia Optima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Kia Carens.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Kia Carens | 2006 Kia Optima | |
| Make | Kia | Kia |
| Model | Carens | Optima |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1793 cc | 2351 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 162 Nm | 199 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 86.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.1 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 65 L |
