2006 Kia Optima vs. 2012 BMW 730
To start off, 2012 BMW 730 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 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW 730 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 730 (244 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 2006 Kia Optima. (138 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 730 should accelerate faster than 2006 Kia Optima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Kia Optima weights approximately 29 kg more than 2012 BMW 730.
Because 2012 BMW 730 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 730. 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 730 (540 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 341 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Kia Optima. (199 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 730 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 730 | |
| Make | Kia | BMW |
| Model | Optima | 730 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2360 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 244 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 199 Nm | 540 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2004 kg | 1975 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 5212 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1902 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1479 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 3210 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.8 L/100km | 5.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.7 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 6.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 82 L |
