2010 Volkswagen GTI vs. 2012 Kia Optima
To start off, 2012 Kia Optima is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2010 Volkswagen GTI. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2010 Volkswagen GTI would be higher. At 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Kia Optima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Volkswagen GTI (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 2012 Kia Optima. (166 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2010 Volkswagen GTI should accelerate faster than 2012 Kia Optima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Kia Optima weights approximately 207 kg more than 2010 Volkswagen GTI.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2010 Volkswagen GTI (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Kia Optima. (209 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2010 Volkswagen GTI will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Kia Optima. 2012 Kia Optima has automatic transmission and 2010 Volkswagen GTI has manual transmission. 2010 Volkswagen GTI will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Kia Optima will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2010 Volkswagen GTI | 2012 Kia Optima | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Kia |
| Model | GTI | Optima |
| Year Released | 2010 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2000 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 166 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 209 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1376 kg | 1583 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4211 mm | 4844 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1778 mm | 1831 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1468 mm | 1455 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2578 mm | 2797 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.6 L/100km | 5.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.2 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 65 L |
