2012 Dodge Charger 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 Dodge Charger. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2012 Dodge Charger 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 95 more horse power than 2013 Kia Optima. (197 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Dodge Charger should accelerate faster than 2013 Kia Optima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Dodge Charger weights approximately 343 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 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, 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 Dodge Charger (352 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 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 2013 Kia Optima. 2012 Dodge Charger has automatic transmission and 2013 Kia Optima has manual transmission. 2013 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:
| 2012 Dodge Charger | 2013 Kia Optima | |
| Make | Dodge | Kia |
| Model | Charger | Optima |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3600 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 292 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6350 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 352 Nm | 252 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Flex Fuel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | 5-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1797 kg | 1454 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5077 mm | 4845 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1905 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1483 mm | 1455 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3053 mm | 2795 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.7 L/100km | 5.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 70 L |
