2009 Kia Optima vs. 2008 Subaru Forester
To start off, 2009 Kia Optima is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Subaru Forester. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Subaru Forester would be higher. At 2,656 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Kia Optima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Kia Optima (194 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 2008 Subaru Forester. (175 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Kia Optima should accelerate faster than 2008 Subaru Forester. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Kia Optima weights approximately 34 kg more than 2008 Subaru Forester. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Subaru Forester 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 Subaru Forester 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 Kia Optima (250 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Subaru Forester. (245 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2009 Kia Optima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Subaru Forester.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Kia Optima | 2008 Subaru Forester | |
| Make | Kia | Subaru |
| Model | Optima | Forester |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2656 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 194 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.7 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.4:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1519 kg | 1485 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.4 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 60 L |
