2004 Kia Optima vs. 2009 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2009 Toyota Highlander 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 3,456 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Toyota Highlander (270 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 132 more horse power than 2004 Kia Optima. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2004 Kia Optima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 135 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Toyota Highlander (336 Nm) has 137 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Kia Optima. (199 Nm). This means 2009 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Kia Optima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Kia Optima | 2009 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Kia | Toyota |
| Model | Optima | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2398 cc | 3456 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 199 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1549 kg | 1684 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1770 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.8 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.7 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 73 L |
