2005 Dodge Charger 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 Dodge Charger. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Dodge Charger would be higher. At 3,523 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Dodge Charger is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Kia Optima (274 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 2005 Dodge Charger. (247 HP @ 6400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Kia Optima should accelerate faster than 2005 Dodge Charger. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Dodge Charger weights approximately 189 kg more than 2012 Kia Optima.
Because 2005 Dodge Charger 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 Dodge Charger. 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 (364 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Dodge Charger. (339 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2012 Kia Optima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Dodge Charger.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Dodge Charger | 2012 Kia Optima | |
| Make | Dodge | Kia |
| Model | Charger | Optima |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3523 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 274 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 339 Nm | 364 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1724 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4844 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1831 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1455 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2930 mm | 2797 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 70 L |
