2006 Honda Element vs. 2009 Kia Optima
To start off, 2009 Kia Optima is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Honda Element. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Honda Element would be higher. Both 2006 Honda Element and 2009 Kia Optima are equipped with a 2,359 cc engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Kia Optima (175 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 2006 Honda Element. (156 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Kia Optima should accelerate faster than 2006 Honda Element.
Because 2006 Honda Element is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Kia Optima. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Honda Element will offer significantly more control. 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, 2009 Kia Optima (229 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Honda Element. (217 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Kia Optima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Honda Element.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Honda Element | 2009 Kia Optima | |
| Make | Honda | Kia |
| Model | Element | Optima |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2359 cc | 2359 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 156 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 229 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.4 L/100km | 7.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.2 L/100km | 10.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.2 L/100km | 9.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 62 L |
