2005 BMW 525 vs. 2012 Kia Optima
To start off, 2012 Kia Optima is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,495 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW 525 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 2012 Kia Optima. (200 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 2012 Kia Optima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 525 weights approximately 116 kg more than 2012 Kia Optima. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 BMW 525 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 2005 BMW 525. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2012 Kia Optima (252 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 BMW 525. (250 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2012 Kia Optima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 BMW 525. 2005 BMW 525 has automatic transmission and 2012 Kia Optima has manual transmission. 2012 Kia Optima will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 BMW 525 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 525 | 2012 Kia Optima | |
| Make | BMW | Kia |
| Model | 525 | Optima |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 252 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1454 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4844 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1831 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1455 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2797 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.9 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.4 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
