2006 Hyundai Sonata vs Kia Optima

So what are the real differences between the 2006 Hyundai Sonata and the 2006
Kia Optima? (specifically a GLS vs a Optima EX 4-cylinder.) The Kia dealer
didn't have a clue, the Hyundai dealer thought that the 2006 Kia body was based
on the 2005 Sonata. The interiors seem identical.

Thanks -

Marv

 

Yes, I believe the Hyundai dealer is correct, that the Optima is based on
the previous series Sonatat. The engines, etc. seem to back that up.

But I also think that means that a re-design on the Optima is not far
behind. And before that hits, some great deals on the way for the Optima,
maybe next Summer.

Green Valley Giant

 

un-brilliant prediction & nostagia of cohenac:

eventually, the hyundai & kia will be akin to olds & buick & pontiac &
chevy & cadillac (yeah, i heard that olds is a bye, bye)

in-that there's going to be more similarities & inter-changeables
within the family/corporation

as the production lines are up-graded & re-tooled

i'm also thinking of how much the dodge, plymouth, and chrysler cars
were alike (yeah, i heard plymouth is bye, bye too)

helle, i recall the desoto, sponsor of groucho's YOU BET YOUR LIFE a
la:

"the car for you in '52 is the deliteful, deluvly, de-soto," as sung to
the ole tune of

"deliteful, de-luvly" or close enuff

also there were

studebaker (neighbor had it right after ww II)
packard (looked-at in show room, maybe rode-in one a time or two)
jeep (whatever happened? su..v ..vat-is-that?)
amc gremlin (now sorta delivers mail)
plymouth barracudda (now at seaworld as "drift-metal")
crosley (cincinnati's amazin compact forebearer)
hudson (next door neighbor's 1940s ugly car)
fiat (for some obscure reason, there's still quite a few in italy)

 

Marv,

Details are just starting to come out on the next generation Optima.
It is about a year behind the 2006 Sonata. Just saw my first
uncamoflaged image of the next Optima today. You can see it here:
http://autospy.dreamwiz.com/board/bbs/table/spyshot2/upload/special1123649292.jpg

My understanding is that the Optima may be about $1,000 less than the
Sonata, slightly shorter, tuned to be sportier, and will offer manual
shift with the V6. I wonder how much more hp they can ring out of the
new 3.3 liter Lambda engine as the 235 in my 2006 Sonata GLS is very
nice and even with ESP squeals the front tires on this fwd car easily.
Otherwise it will offer similar standard features to the Sonata
including head curtain airbags, ESP, active headrests, and ABS.

GeoUSA, moderator HyundaiExchange/KiaExchange,
http://www.HyundaiExchange.com

 

The above is a photo of the Magentis, not the Optima. The Magentis, BTW, is
Kia's analogue to the Sonata. It will be interesting to see how much they
have in common.

 

In the Wednesday, August 10 edition of the LA Times, Pulitzer Prize
winning automotive writer, Dan Neil, reviewed the Hyundai Sonata as
compared to the Honda Accord. Neil is an excellent, if smart-assed
writer, and this particular column is quite enjoyable. Despite taking
some shots from Neil, the Sonata comes out all right with more pros
than cons.

I love his line describing the plastic Burlwood trim on the dash...
"....and faux wood culled from the Mattel forests"

Here's the link to the article.
http://tinyurl.com/9oobe