2005 Lexus LS 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 Lexus LS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Lexus LS would be higher. At 4,293 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Lexus LS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lexus LS (277 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 2012 Kia Optima. (200 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lexus LS should accelerate faster than 2012 Kia Optima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Lexus LS weights approximately 368 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 Lexus LS 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 Lexus LS. 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, 2005 Lexus LS (418 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 166 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Kia Optima. (252 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2005 Lexus LS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Kia Optima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lexus LS | 2012 Kia Optima | |
| Make | Lexus | Kia |
| Model | LS | Optima |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4293 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 277 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 418 Nm | 252 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4250 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 | 1830 kg | 1462 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5010 mm | 4844 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1831 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1455 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2797 mm |
