2006 Kia Optima vs. 2012 Toyota Avalon
To start off, 2012 Toyota Avalon 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Toyota Avalon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Toyota Avalon (268 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 2006 Kia Optima. (138 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Toyota Avalon should accelerate faster than 2006 Kia Optima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Kia Optima weights approximately 360 kg more than 2012 Toyota Avalon.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Toyota Avalon (336 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 137 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Kia Optima. (199 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Toyota Avalon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Kia Optima. 2012 Toyota Avalon has automatic transmission and 2006 Kia Optima has manual transmission. 2006 Kia Optima will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Toyota Avalon will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Kia Optima | 2012 Toyota Avalon | |
| Make | Kia | Toyota |
| Model | Optima | Avalon |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2351 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 199 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2000 kg | 1640 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 5019 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1849 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2819 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.8 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.7 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 70 L |
