2002 Kia Optima vs. 2011 Subaru Forester
To start off, 2011 Subaru Forester is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Kia Optima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Kia Optima would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Subaru Forester is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Subaru Forester (224 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 2002 Kia Optima. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Subaru Forester should accelerate faster than 2002 Kia Optima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Subaru Forester weights approximately 128 kg more than 2002 Kia Optima. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 Subaru Forester is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2002 Kia Optima. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Subaru Forester will offer significantly more control. 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, 2011 Subaru Forester (306 Nm) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Kia Optima. (216 Nm). This means 2011 Subaru Forester will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Kia Optima. 2011 Subaru Forester has automatic transmission and 2002 Kia Optima has manual transmission. 2002 Kia Optima will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Subaru Forester will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Kia Optima | 2011 Subaru Forester | |
| Make | Kia | Subaru |
| Model | Optima | Forester |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 224 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 306 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1432 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4559 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1699 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2616 mm |
