2012 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2012 Kia Optima
To start off, both 2012 Volkswagen Passat and 2012 Kia Optima were released in the same year (2012). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Kia Optima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Kia Optima (166 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (140 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Kia Optima should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Kia Optima weights approximately 59 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. 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, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Kia Optima. (209 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Kia Optima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Volkswagen Passat | 2012 Kia Optima | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Kia |
| Model | Passat | Optima |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2000 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 166 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 209 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed shiftable automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1524 kg | 1583 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4769 mm | 4844 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1831 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1455 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2712 mm | 2797 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 5.5 L/100km | 5.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 7.6 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 65 L |
