2011 Kia Optima vs. 2012 Buick Regal
To start off, 2012 Buick Regal is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 Kia Optima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Kia Optima would be higher. Both 2011 Kia Optima and 2012 Buick Regal are equipped with a 2,000 cc engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Kia Optima (274 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 2012 Buick Regal. (220 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 Kia Optima should accelerate faster than 2012 Buick Regal. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Buick Regal weights approximately 130 kg more than 2011 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, 2011 Kia Optima (364 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Buick Regal. (352 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2011 Kia Optima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Buick Regal.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Kia Optima | 2012 Buick Regal | |
| Make | Kia | Buick |
| Model | Optima | Regal |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2000 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 274 HP | 220 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 364 Nm | 352 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1535 kg | 1665 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4844 mm | 4831 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1831 mm | 1857 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1455 mm | 1483 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2797 mm | 2738 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.9 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.7 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 68 L |
