2012 Kia Soul vs. 1998 Peugeot 406
To start off, 2012 Kia Soul is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Peugeot 406. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Peugeot 406 would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Kia Soul is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Kia Soul (164 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1998 Peugeot 406. (134 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Kia Soul should accelerate faster than 1998 Peugeot 406. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Peugeot 406 weights approximately 116 kg more than 2012 Kia Soul.
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, 2012 Kia Soul (200 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Peugeot 406. (190 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 2012 Kia Soul will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Peugeot 406. 1998 Peugeot 406 has automatic transmission and 2012 Kia Soul has manual transmission. 2012 Kia Soul will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Peugeot 406 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Kia Soul | 1998 Peugeot 406 | |
| Make | Kia | Peugeot |
| Model | Soul | 406 |
| Year Released | 2012 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2000 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 164 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1228 kg | 1344 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4120 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1786 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 70 L |
