2008 Honda Element vs. 2005 Kia Optima
To start off, 2008 Honda Element is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Kia Optima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Kia Optima would be higher. At 2,671 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Kia Optima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Kia Optima (170 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2008 Honda Element. (166 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Kia Optima should accelerate faster than 2008 Honda Element. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Honda Element weights approximately 463 kg more than 2005 Kia Optima.
Because 2008 Honda Element is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2005 Kia Optima. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Honda Element 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, 2005 Kia Optima (241 Nm) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Honda Element. (218 Nm). This means 2005 Kia Optima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Honda Element.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Honda Element | 2005 Kia Optima | |
| Make | Honda | Kia |
| Model | Element | Optima |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2352 cc | 2671 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 166 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1950 kg | 1487 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.8 L/100km | 8.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 11.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.2 L/100km | 10.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 65 L |
