2004 Kia Optima vs. 2008 Kia Sorento
To start off, 2008 Kia Sorento is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Kia Optima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Kia Optima would be higher. At 3,778 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Kia Sorento is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Kia Sorento (262 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 2004 Kia Optima. (170 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Kia Sorento should accelerate faster than 2004 Kia Optima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Kia Optima weights approximately 202 kg more than 2008 Kia Sorento.
Because 2008 Kia Sorento is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2004 Kia Optima. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Kia Sorento 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, 2008 Kia Sorento (353 Nm) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Kia Optima. (245 Nm). This means 2008 Kia Sorento will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Kia Optima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Kia Optima | 2008 Kia Sorento | |
| Make | Kia | Kia |
| Model | Optima | Sorento |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2671 cc | 3778 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 262 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 353 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1487 kg | 1285 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1820 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.7 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.8 L/100km | 15.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.2 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 80 L |
