2008 Ford Taurus 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 Taurus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Ford Taurus would be higher. At 3,494 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Taurus (263 HP @ 6251 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 2009 Kia Optima. (176 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 2009 Kia Optima.
Because 2008 Ford Taurus is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Kia Optima. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Ford Taurus 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, 2008 Ford Taurus (338 Nm @ 4501 RPM) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Kia Optima. (229 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Kia Optima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Taurus | 2009 Kia Optima | |
| Make | Ford | Kia |
| Model | Taurus | Optima |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3494 cc | 2359 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 263 HP | 176 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6251 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 229 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4501 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.8 L/100km | 7.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.8 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.4 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 78 L | 62 L |
