2002 Nissan Laurel vs. 2013 Kia Optima
To start off, 2013 Kia Optima is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Kia Optima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Kia Optima (197 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 2002 Nissan Laurel. (153 HP @ 6400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Kia Optima should accelerate faster than 2002 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Kia Optima weights approximately 64 kg more than 2002 Nissan Laurel. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 Nissan Laurel is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2002 Nissan Laurel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 Kia Optima, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2013 Kia Optima (252 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Nissan Laurel. (190 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2013 Kia Optima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Nissan Laurel. 2002 Nissan Laurel has automatic transmission and 2013 Kia Optima has manual transmission. 2013 Kia Optima will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Nissan Laurel will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Nissan Laurel | 2013 Kia Optima | |
| Make | Nissan | Kia |
| Model | Laurel | Optima |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 252 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1454 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4845 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1455 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2795 mm |
