2004 Kia Optima vs. 2009 Kia Sorento
To start off, 2009 Kia Sorento is newer by 5 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 3,295 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Kia Sorento is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Kia Sorento (238 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 2004 Kia Optima. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Kia Sorento should accelerate faster than 2004 Kia Optima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Kia Sorento weights approximately 437 kg more than 2004 Kia Optima. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 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, 2009 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, 2009 Kia Sorento (307 Nm) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Kia Optima. (199 Nm). This means 2009 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 | 2009 Kia Sorento | |
| Make | Kia | Kia |
| Model | Optima | Sorento |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2398 cc | 3295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 199 Nm | 307 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 83.8 mm |
| 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 | 1549 kg | 1986 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.8 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.7 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 11.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 80 L |
