2008 Ford Mustang vs. 2009 Kia Optima
To start off, 2009 Kia Optima is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,606 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Mustang (300 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 2009 Kia Optima. (175 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2009 Kia Optima.
Because 2008 Ford Mustang 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 2008 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2008 Ford Mustang (434 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 205 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Kia Optima. (229 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Kia Optima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Mustang | 2009 Kia Optima | |
| Make | Ford | Kia |
| Model | Mustang | Optima |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4606 cc | 2359 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 300 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 434 Nm | 229 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.2 L/100km | 7.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 15.7 L/100km | 10.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.1 L/100km | 9.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 62 L |
