2006 Kia Optima vs. 2012 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Corvette 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 6,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Corvette (430 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 292 more horse power than 2006 Kia Optima. (138 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 2006 Kia Optima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Kia Optima weights approximately 543 kg more than 2012 Chevrolet Corvette.
Because 2012 Chevrolet Corvette 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 Chevrolet Corvette. 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 Chevrolet Corvette (574 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 375 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Kia Optima. (199 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Kia Optima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Kia Optima | 2012 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | Kia | Chevrolet |
| Model | Optima | Corvette |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2360 cc | 6200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 430 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 199 Nm | 574 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2004 kg | 1461 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4435 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1844 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1247 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2685 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.8 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.7 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 68 L |
