2007 Kia Optima vs. 2007 Mazda RX-8
To start off, both 2007 Kia Optima and 2007 Mazda RX-8 were released in the same year (2007). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 2,654 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 Kia Optima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2007 Kia Optima. (185 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2007 Kia Optima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Kia Optima weights approximately 62 kg more than 2007 Mazda RX-8.
Because 2007 Mazda RX-8 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 2007 Mazda RX-8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 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, 2007 Kia Optima (247 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Mazda RX-8. (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2007 Kia Optima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Mazda RX-8. 2007 Kia Optima has automatic transmission and 2007 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2007 Mazda RX-8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Kia Optima will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Kia Optima | 2007 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Kia | Mazda |
| Model | Optima | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2654 cc | 1306 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 247 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.4:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1487 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 12.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 61 L |
