2009 Kia Optima vs. 2006 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2009 Kia Optima is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,359 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Kia Optima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Kia Optima (176 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Kia Optima should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen Passat.
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 Volkswagen Passat (250 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Kia Optima. (229 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Kia Optima. 2009 Kia Optima has automatic transmission and 2006 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 2006 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Kia Optima will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Kia Optima | 2006 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Kia | Volkswagen |
| Model | Optima | Passat |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2359 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 176 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 229 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.4 L/100km | 4.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.7 L/100km | 7.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 5.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 70 L |
