2011 Kia Optima vs. 2012 Dodge Charger
To start off, 2012 Dodge Charger 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. At 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Dodge Charger is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Dodge Charger (292 HP @ 6350 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 2011 Kia Optima. (200 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Dodge Charger should accelerate faster than 2011 Kia Optima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Dodge Charger weights approximately 359 kg more than 2011 Kia Optima. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 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 2012 Dodge Charger. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 2012 Dodge Charger (352 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Kia Optima. (252 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2012 Dodge Charger will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Kia Optima. 2012 Dodge Charger has automatic transmission and 2011 Kia Optima has manual transmission. 2011 Kia Optima will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Dodge Charger will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Kia Optima | 2012 Dodge Charger | |
| Make | Kia | Dodge |
| Model | Optima | Charger |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2400 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 292 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6350 RPM |
| Torque | 252 Nm | 352 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1454 kg | 1813 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4844 mm | 5077 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1831 mm | 1905 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1455 mm | 1483 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2797 mm | 3053 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.7 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.8 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 72 L |
