2009 Honda Accord vs. 2011 Kia Optima
To start off, 2011 Kia Optima is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Honda Accord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Honda Accord would be higher. At 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Kia Optima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Honda Accord (199 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 2011 Kia Optima. (166 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Honda Accord should accelerate faster than 2011 Kia Optima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Honda Accord weights approximately 460 kg more than 2011 Kia Optima. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Honda Accord 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 Honda Accord. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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 Honda Accord (234 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Kia Optima. (209 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2009 Honda Accord will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Kia Optima. 2011 Kia Optima has automatic transmission and 2009 Honda Accord has manual transmission. 2009 Honda Accord will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Kia Optima will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Honda Accord | 2011 Kia Optima | |
| Make | Honda | Kia |
| Model | Accord | Optima |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2354 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 199 HP | 166 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 234 Nm | 209 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2043 kg | 1583 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4844 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1455 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2797 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 65 L |
