2009 Chevrolet Express vs. 2012 Kia Optima
To start off, 2012 Kia Optima is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Chevrolet Express. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Chevrolet Express would be higher. At 5,300 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Chevrolet Express is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Chevrolet Express (301 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 135 more horse power than 2012 Kia Optima. (166 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Express should accelerate faster than 2012 Kia Optima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Chevrolet Express weights approximately 558 kg more than 2012 Kia Optima. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Chevrolet Express 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 2009 Chevrolet Express. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2009 Chevrolet Express (441 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 232 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Kia Optima. (209 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2009 Chevrolet Express will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Kia Optima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Chevrolet Express | 2012 Kia Optima | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Kia |
| Model | Express | Optima |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Van | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5300 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 166 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 441 Nm | 209 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2141 kg | 1583 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5700 mm | 4844 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1831 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 2080 mm | 1455 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3440 mm | 2797 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 14.7 L/100km | 5.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.1 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 117 L | 65 L |
