2002 Acura RSX vs. 2004 Kia Optima
To start off, 2004 Kia Optima is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Acura RSX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Acura RSX would be higher. At 2,360 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Kia Optima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Acura RSX (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 2004 Kia Optima. (137 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Acura RSX should accelerate faster than 2004 Kia Optima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Kia Optima weights approximately 266 kg more than 2002 Acura RSX.
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, 2004 Kia Optima (199 Nm) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Acura RSX. (191 Nm). This means 2004 Kia Optima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Acura RSX.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Acura RSX | 2004 Kia Optima | |
| Make | Acura | Kia |
| Model | RSX | Optima |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2360 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 137 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 191 Nm | 199 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 87.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1222 kg | 1488 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 65 L |
