2006 Kia Optima vs. 2012 Subaru Forester
To start off, 2012 Subaru Forester 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 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Subaru Forester is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Subaru Forester (145 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2006 Kia Optima. (138 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Subaru Forester should accelerate faster than 2006 Kia Optima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Kia Optima weights approximately 464 kg more than 2012 Subaru Forester.
Because 2012 Subaru Forester is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2006 Kia Optima. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Subaru Forester 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, 2012 Subaru Forester (350 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 151 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Kia Optima. (199 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Subaru Forester will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Kia Optima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Kia Optima | 2012 Subaru Forester | |
| Make | Kia | Subaru |
| Model | Optima | Forester |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2360 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 199 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2004 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4559 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1674 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2616 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.8 L/100km | 5.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.7 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 5.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 64 L |
