2007 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2011 Kia Optima
To start off, 2011 Kia Optima is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe would be higher. At 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Kia Optima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Kia Optima (200 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe. (149 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Kia Optima should accelerate faster than 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe weights approximately 321 kg more than 2011 Kia Optima.
Because 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2011 Kia Optima. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe 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, 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe (335 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Kia Optima. (252 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Kia Optima. 2011 Kia Optima has automatic transmission and 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe has manual transmission. 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Kia Optima will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe | 2011 Kia Optima | |
| Make | Hyundai | Kia |
| Model | Santa Fe | Optima |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2011 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2188 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 335 Nm | 252 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1783 kg | 1462 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4844 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1831 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1900 mm | 1455 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2797 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 70 L |
