2009 Chevrolet Traverse 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 Traverse. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Chevrolet Traverse would be higher. At 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Chevrolet Traverse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Chevrolet Traverse (288 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 2012 Kia Optima. (274 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Traverse should accelerate faster than 2012 Kia Optima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Kia Optima weights approximately 274 kg more than 2009 Chevrolet Traverse.
Because 2009 Chevrolet Traverse is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Kia Optima. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Traverse 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, 2009 Chevrolet Traverse (366 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Kia Optima. (364 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2009 Chevrolet Traverse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Kia Optima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Chevrolet Traverse | 2012 Kia Optima | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Kia |
| Model | Traverse | Optima |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3600 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 288 HP | 274 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 364 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1261 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5210 mm | 4844 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1831 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1455 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2797 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.2 L/100km | 6.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.7 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 70 L |
