2004 Honda Element vs. 2010 Kia Optima
To start off, 2010 Kia Optima is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Honda Element. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Honda Element would be higher. At 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Kia Optima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Kia Optima (175 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 2004 Honda Element. (158 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Kia Optima should accelerate faster than 2004 Honda Element. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Honda Element weights approximately 149 kg more than 2010 Kia Optima.
Because 2004 Honda Element is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2010 Kia Optima. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Honda Element 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, 2010 Kia Optima (229 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Honda Element. (216 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2010 Kia Optima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Honda Element.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Honda Element | 2010 Kia Optima | |
| Make | Honda | Kia |
| Model | Element | Optima |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2354 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 229 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1599 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4801 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1806 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1481 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.8 L/100km | 7.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 62 L |
