2007 Kia Optima vs. 2012 Mazda 6
To start off, 2012 Mazda 6 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2007 Kia Optima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 Kia Optima would be higher. At 3,700 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Mazda 6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda 6 (272 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 2007 Kia Optima. (185 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 6 should accelerate faster than 2007 Kia Optima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda 6 weights approximately 134 kg more than 2007 Kia Optima. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 Mazda 6 (364 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Kia Optima. (247 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda 6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Kia Optima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Kia Optima | 2012 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | Kia | Mazda |
| Model | Optima | 6 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2654 cc | 3700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 272 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 247 Nm | 364 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1487 kg | 1621 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4755 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1795 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2789 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.8 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.7 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 70 L |
