2009 Kia Sorento vs. 2006 Kia Optima
To start off, 2009 Kia Sorento is newer by 3 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 3,295 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Kia Sorento is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Kia Sorento (238 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 2006 Kia Optima. (170 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Kia Sorento should accelerate faster than 2006 Kia Optima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Kia Sorento weights approximately 499 kg more than 2006 Kia Optima. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Kia Sorento is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2006 Kia Optima. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Kia Sorento will offer significantly more control. 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, 2009 Kia Sorento (307 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Kia Optima. (245 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Kia Sorento will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Kia Optima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Kia Sorento | 2006 Kia Optima | |
| Make | Kia | Kia |
| Model | Sorento | Optima |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2006 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3295 cc | 2671 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 307 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 86.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.8 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.4:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1986 kg | 1487 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.7 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.7 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.9 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 65 L |
