2011 Subaru Forester 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 Subaru Forester. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Subaru Forester would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Subaru Forester is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Kia Optima (200 HP) has 30 more horse power than 2011 Subaru Forester. (170 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Kia Optima should accelerate faster than 2011 Subaru Forester. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Subaru Forester weights approximately 43 kg more than 2012 Kia Optima.
Because 2011 Subaru Forester is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Kia Optima. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Subaru Forester will offer significantly more control. 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 16 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Subaru Forester. (236 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 2012 Kia Optima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Subaru Forester.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Subaru Forester | 2012 Kia Optima | |
| Make | Subaru | Kia |
| Model | Forester | Optima |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2500 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 200 HP |
| Torque | 236 Nm | 252 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | AWD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1497 kg | 1454 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4559 mm | 4844 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1781 mm | 1831 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1699 mm | 1455 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2616 mm | 2797 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.7 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.2 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 70 L |
