2003 Holden Statesman vs. 2011 Kia Optima
To start off, 2011 Kia Optima is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Holden Statesman. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Holden Statesman would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Holden Statesman is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Kia Optima (274 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 2003 Holden Statesman. (204 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Kia Optima should accelerate faster than 2003 Holden Statesman. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Holden Statesman weights approximately 155 kg more than 2011 Kia Optima.
Because 2003 Holden Statesman 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 2003 Holden Statesman. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 2011 Kia Optima (364 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Holden Statesman. (305 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2011 Kia Optima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Holden Statesman.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Holden Statesman | 2011 Kia Optima | |
| Make | Holden | Kia |
| Model | Statesman | Optima |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 204 HP | 274 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 364 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5200 mm | 4844 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1831 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1455 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2797 mm |
