Model Year | 2006 | 2008 | |
Model | Volvo V50 | Kia Optima | |
Engine | turbocharged 2.5L I5 DOHC-4v 218 hp@5000 236 lb-ft@1500 |
2.7L V6 DOHC-4v 185 hp@6000 183 lb-ft@4000 |
|
Transmission | 5-speed shiftable automatic | 5-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | |
Body | 4dr Wagon | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 103.9 in | 107.1 in | -3.2 in |
Length | 177.7 in | 186.4 in | -8.7 in |
Width | 69.7 in | 71.1 in | -1.4 in |
Height | 57.2 in | 58.3 in | -1.1 in |
Curb Weight | 3379 lb. | 3287 lb. | 92 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 15.9 gal. | 17.0 gal. | -1.1 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 38.9 in | 39.8 in | -0.9 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 55.2 in | 57.1 in | -1.9 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 53.7 in | 54.5 in | -0.8 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 41.6 in | 43.7 in | -2.1 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 38.1 in | 38.0 in | 0.1 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 54.1 in | 56.3 in | -2.2 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 50.7 in | 54.7 in | -4 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 34.4 in | 37.8 in | -3.4 in |
Total Legroom | 76 in (over 2 rows) | 81.5 in (over 2 rows) | -5.5 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 27.4 ft3 | 14.8 ft3 | 12.6 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 62.9 ft3 | 14.8 ft3 | 48.1 ft3 |
2006 Volvo V50 Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 168-horsepower 2.4L I5 5-speed manual FWD |
It has a lot of arm and leg room for a smaller car. see full Volvo V50 review |
2007 | 4dr Wagon 168-horsepower 2.4L I5 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Front seat comfort is top notch. Lots of adjustments with power drivers seat. see full Volvo V50 review |
2006 | 4dr Sedan 168-horsepower 2.4L I5 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Very comfortable leather seats. Fully adjustable. see full Volvo V50 review |
2006 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 218hp 2.5L I5 6-speed manual AWD |
They are the most comfortable seats I have ever had in a car - period. see full Volvo V50 review |
2005 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 218hp 2.5L I5 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Let me put it this way: road trip across Canada. Last day getting home drove 1,500kms in 15 hrs (including breaks, of course). No neck or back pain. The front seats are extremely comfortable. see full Volvo V50 review |
2006 Volvo V50 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 168-horsepower 2.4L I5 5-speed manual FWD |
Not a lot of room for tall adults. Good for kids. see full Volvo V50 review |
2007 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 218hp 2.5L I5 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Rear seat is for very small people or children only --no leg room. see full Volvo V50 review |
2006 | 4dr Wagon 168-horsepower 2.4L I5 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
legroom too cramped see full Volvo V50 review |
2006 | 4dr Wagon 168-horsepower 2.4L I5 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Volvo should be ashamed for such lousy seats. They know how to build great seats but they shortchanged the V50. see full Volvo V50 review |
2006 | 4dr Wagon 168-horsepower 2.4L I5 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Too cramped. See previous comments about seats. see full Volvo V50 review |
2005 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 218hp 2.5L I5 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Good only for children. 3 adults are getting squeezed. see full Volvo V50 review |
2005 | 4dr Sedan 168-horsepower 2.4L I5 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
really only good for kids see full Volvo V50 review |
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 |