Model Year | 2008 | 2006 | |
Model | Kia Optima | Ford Taurus | |
Engine | 2.4L I4 DOHC-4v 162 hp@5800 164 lb-ft@4250 |
3.0L V6 OHV-2v 153 hp@4900 185 lb-ft@3950 |
|
Transmission | 5-speed shiftable automatic | 4-speed automatic | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 107.1 in | 108.5 in | -1.4 in |
Length | 186.4 in | 197.6 in | -11.2 in |
Width | 71.1 in | 73.0 in | -1.9 in |
Height | 58.3 in | 56.1 in | 2.2 in |
Curb Weight | 3179 lb. | 3343 lb. | -164 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 17.0 gal. | 18.0 gal. | -1 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.8 in | 40.0 in | -0.2 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 57.1 in | 57.3 in | -0.2 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 54.5 in | 54.5 in | 0 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 43.7 in | 42.2 in | 1.5 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 38.0 in | 38.1 in | -0.1 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 56.3 in | 56.6 in | -0.3 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 54.7 in | 55.7 in | -1 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 37.8 in | 38.9 in | -1.1 in |
Total Legroom | 81.5 in (over 2 rows) | 81.1 in (over 2 rows) | 0.4 in |
Cargo Volume | 14.8 ft3 | 17.0 ft3 | -2.2 ft3 |
2008 Kia Optima Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 161-horsepower 2.4L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Spacious enough to allow my 84 year old mother to get in and out without injuring herself! see full Kia Optima review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 161-horsepower 2.4L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
After driving the Optima for five days straight for 10+ hours per day, other than the occasional stop, on a road trip, not one time did I get a sore back or thighs. see full Kia Optima review |
2006 Ford Taurus Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2006 | 4dr Sedan 153-horsepower 3.0L V6 4-speed automatic FWD |
Seats are above average in comfort. see full Ford Taurus review |
2006 | 4dr Sedan 153-horsepower 3.0L V6 4-speed automatic FWD |
Front seat room is above average. see full Ford Taurus review |
2005 | 4dr Wagon 153-horsepower 3.0L V6 4-speed automatic FWD |
We chose this wagon initially because it was the only sedan we could find that fit 2 carseats and an adult, or 3 carseats comfortably in the rear seat. Also, the two additional seats in the cargo area are nice if there are more kids along. see full Ford Taurus review |
2005 | 4dr Wagon 153-horsepower 3.0L V6 4-speed automatic FWD |
Great for long drives, lots of little "smart" features. see full Ford Taurus review |