2006 Kia Optima vs. 2012 BMW 535
To start off, 2012 BMW 535 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Kia Optima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Kia Optima would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW 535 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 535 (300 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 2006 Kia Optima. (138 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 2006 Kia Optima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 535 weights approximately 617 kg more than 2006 Kia Optima. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 BMW 535 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 2012 BMW 535. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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 BMW 535 (406 Nm @ 1200 RPM) has 207 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Kia Optima. (199 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Kia Optima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Kia Optima | 2012 BMW 535 | |
| Make | Kia | BMW |
| Model | Optima | 535 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2360 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 199 Nm | 406 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.6 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1488 kg | 2105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4999 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 3071 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.8 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.2 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 70 L |
