2011 Honda Element 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 Honda Element. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Honda Element would be higher. Both 2011 Honda Element and 2012 Kia Optima are equipped with a 2,400 cc engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Kia Optima (200 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 2011 Honda Element. (166 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Kia Optima should accelerate faster than 2011 Honda Element. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Honda Element weights approximately 152 kg more than 2012 Kia Optima.
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, 2012 Kia Optima (252 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Honda Element. (218 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Kia Optima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Honda Element. 2011 Honda Element has automatic transmission and 2012 Kia Optima has manual transmission. 2012 Kia Optima will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Honda Element will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Honda Element | 2012 Kia Optima | |
| Make | Honda | Kia |
| Model | Element | Optima |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2400 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 166 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 252 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1606 kg | 1454 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4315 mm | 4844 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1819 mm | 1831 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1788 mm | 1455 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2576 mm | 2797 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.4 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.8 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 70 L |
