Kia Optima vs Volkswagen Jetta Dimensions & Size Comparison

Comparing 2001 catalog dimensions. Kia Optima · Volkswagen Jetta

Same scale for both vehicles. Generic silhouette — proportional to measured length, height, width, wheelbase, and clearance.

Side view
  • Length185.9 in
  • Height55.5 in
  • Wheelbase106.3 in
  • Curb weight3,157 lb – 3,190 lb
Front / width
  • Width71.5 in
  • Volkswagen Jetta width68.3 in

Which is bigger?

  • Length: Volkswagen Jetta is 13.0 in shorter (185.9 in vs 172.9 in)
  • Width: Volkswagen Jetta is 3.2 in narrower (71.5 in vs 68.3 in)
  • Height: Volkswagen Jetta is 2.2 in taller (55.5 in vs 57.7 in)
  • Wheelbase: Kia Optima has a 7.4 in longer wheelbase (106.3 in vs 98.9 in)
  • Curb weight: Kia Optima is 87 lb heavier (3,174 lb vs 3,087 lb)

Biggest size differences

  1. Length: Volkswagen Jetta is 13.0 in shorter (185.9 in vs 172.9 in)
  2. Wheelbase: Kia Optima has a 7.4 in longer wheelbase (106.3 in vs 98.9 in)
  3. Width: Volkswagen Jetta is 3.2 in narrower (71.5 in vs 68.3 in)
  4. Height: Volkswagen Jetta is 2.2 in taller (55.5 in vs 57.7 in)
  5. Curb weight: Kia Optima is 87 lb heavier (3,174 lb vs 3,087 lb)

Practical verdicts

  • Easier to fit in a short garageVolkswagen Jetta — Volkswagen Jetta is shorter by 13.0 in Check garage fit for Kia Optima · garage fit for Volkswagen Jetta
  • Narrower for tight parkingVolkswagen Jetta — Volkswagen Jetta is narrower by 3.2 in
  • Smaller exterior footprintVolkswagen Jetta — Based on length × width (Volkswagen Jetta)

Dimension comparison

SpecKia OptimaVolkswagen JettaDifference
Length185.9 in172.9 in13.0 in
Width71.5 in68.3 in3.2 in
Height55.5 in57.7 in2.2 in
Wheelbase106.3 in98.9 in7.4 in
Curb weight3,174 lb3,087 lb87 lb

Values use trim midpoints when a model year lists a range.

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