2005 Kia Optima vs. 2004 Nissan 350Z
To start off, 2005 Kia Optima is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Nissan 350Z. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Nissan 350Z would be higher. At 3,490 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Nissan 350Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Nissan 350Z (287 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 149 more horse power than 2005 Kia Optima. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Nissan 350Z should accelerate faster than 2005 Kia Optima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Kia Optima weights approximately 29 kg more than 2004 Nissan 350Z.
Because 2004 Nissan 350Z 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 2004 Nissan 350Z. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2004 Nissan 350Z (372 Nm) has 173 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Kia Optima. (199 Nm). This means 2004 Nissan 350Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Kia Optima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Kia Optima | 2004 Nissan 350Z | |
| Make | Kia | Nissan |
| Model | Optima | 350Z |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2360 cc | 3490 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 287 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 199 Nm | 372 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1488 kg | 1459 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.8 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.2 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 76 L |
