2012 BMW 550 vs. 2013 Kia Optima
To start off, 2013 Kia Optima is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2012 BMW 550. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2012 BMW 550 would be higher. At 4,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 550 (400 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 203 more horse power than 2013 Kia Optima. (197 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 2013 Kia Optima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 550 weights approximately 526 kg more than 2013 Kia Optima. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 BMW 550 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 BMW 550. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 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 BMW 550 (609 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 357 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Kia Optima. (252 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Kia Optima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 BMW 550 | 2013 Kia Optima | |
| Make | BMW | Kia |
| Model | 550 | Optima |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4400 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 400 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 609 Nm | 252 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1980 kg | 1454 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4899 mm | 4845 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1464 mm | 1455 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2968 mm | 2795 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.7 L/100km | 5.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 15.7 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
