2011 Dodge Charger vs. 2012 Kia Optima
To start off, 2012 Kia Optima is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 Dodge Charger. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Dodge Charger would be higher. At 5,700 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Dodge Charger is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Dodge Charger (370 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 204 more horse power than 2012 Kia Optima. (166 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 Dodge Charger should accelerate faster than 2012 Kia Optima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Dodge Charger weights approximately 346 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 2011 Dodge Charger 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 2011 Dodge Charger. 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, 2011 Dodge Charger (535 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 326 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Kia Optima. (209 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2011 Dodge Charger will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Kia Optima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Dodge Charger | 2012 Kia Optima | |
| Make | Dodge | Kia |
| Model | Charger | Optima |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5700 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 370 HP | 166 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 535 Nm | 209 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1929 kg | 1583 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5077 mm | 4844 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1905 mm | 1831 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1483 mm | 1455 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3053 mm | 2797 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.4 L/100km | 5.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.7 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 65 L |
