2012 Volkswagen Jetta 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 Volkswagen Jetta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2012 Volkswagen Jetta would be higher. At 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Kia Optima (197 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Kia Optima should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Kia Optima weights approximately 54 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2013 Kia Optima (252 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2013 Kia Optima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta 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 Volkswagen Jetta will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | 2013 Kia Optima | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Kia |
| Model | Jetta | Optima |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2500 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 252 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1454 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4557 mm | 4845 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1781 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1504 mm | 1455 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2578 mm | 2795 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.6 L/100km | 5.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.8 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
