2006 Cadillac STS vs. 2012 Kia Optima
To start off, 2012 Kia Optima is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Cadillac STS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Cadillac STS would be higher. At 3,563 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Cadillac STS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Cadillac STS (253 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 2012 Kia Optima. (166 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Cadillac STS should accelerate faster than 2012 Kia Optima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Cadillac STS weights approximately 199 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 2006 Cadillac STS 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 2006 Cadillac STS. 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, 2006 Cadillac STS (342 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Kia Optima. (209 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2006 Cadillac STS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Kia Optima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Cadillac STS | 2012 Kia Optima | |
| Make | Cadillac | Kia |
| Model | STS | Optima |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3563 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 253 HP | 166 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 342 Nm | 209 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1782 kg | 1583 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4844 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1831 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1455 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2797 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.7 L/100km | 5.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 65 L |
