Thanks for providing your feedback. As an owner of both, I concur with a lot of your points. I do disagree about the sound system however...

My only other question I have though is why people keep comparing the two cars to each other?

 

I was surprised about the sound system myself. I only tested the XM portion but I did set the bass, mid and treble the same in both cars and think the Optima has a richer sound that hurt my ears less at a high volume.

Why compare the two? Easy. These two vehicles are Kias flagship sedans (arguably as the Cadenza truly is flagship) one being smaller and sportier and a little less costly, they both have pano roofs, similar engine power, nappa leather, same sound system for the most part, similar size, front wheel drive, price fairly close if comparing SXL to luxury package. Also if one is considering a 30-40k kia they should test drive and consider both of these as different things will appeal to different buyers. They even look similar to most people, almost everyone thought it was the Optima in white instead of titanium.

 

good god that was hard to read.

 

I agree. Hate to sound like the bad guy but please format the first post OP. It was tough to read on the mobile app.

I drove the Cadenza and it feels smoother and quieter. Also has the luxurious feeling. I'm still in the sporty zone so I like the optima better. Plus, I can see some features that should have been in there now that they will probably put in the future versions.

Sent from AutoGuide.com Free App

 

Why not compare them ? I compared various cars when I was shopping and had the cadenza been out I would of compared the two. It's seems logical to me. Thanks for the write up Pat

 

I totally agree with you in regards to comparison shopping. But comparing them to determine which car is "better" overall doesn't make sense. These cars are for different purposes, so comparing them directly is like stating that Kia meant for these two cars to go head to head with each other. Like they offered two different mid-size sport sedans....

 

Gotcha, I will say though that manufacturers thoughts and consumer reality are different.They will get compared and cross shopped. What have you got done to yours? Great looking cars can't wait to see one modded.

 

The only reason they are compared is for someone that might be interested in upgrading or curious about what the next best offering from kia is since as mentioned they have many things in common. They are not totally different cars by any means.

 

No problem apwrx just wanted to share with others in case like me they were wondering if they should move up to the next model in the lineup.

 

thats pretty cool that your local dealer offers the Cadenza a as loaner car, dealers in my area don't even offer a Rio as a loaner car...lol

 

Just looked and sat in the Cadenza. THIS CAR IS NOT IN THE SAME CLASS AS THE OPTIMA.

Stop comparing!!!!!!!!!!!! It's like comparing the Sonata and the Equus. Not even close. Makes about as much sense as putting a snooze button on a smoke alarm. The Cadenza is close to $10K more than the Optima. Little less when you go SX-L.

 

Ok OP fixed. Not sure what happened to the spacing, sorry guys yeah it was painful to read that way. Now maybe its because it was difficult to read that some of you keep saying "dont compare the cars" or you are just mis understanding the purpose of this post.


Let me say again I know these cars are different and because they are different is why i wrote this comparo. As much as they are different its not fair or accurate to say its like comparing a Sonata to an Equus. Try again. My purpose was to give my thoughts and opinions on the Cadenza vs the car I currently own the Optima SXL for those that might be considering one or the other or like me curious if i should trade mine and upgrade to the more luxurious larger inside sedan. The vehicles I wrote about are window sticker 36k for the Optima SXL and 39,100 for the Cadenza so yes some of us might cross shop this vehicle against the Optima, sorry guys but thats a fact based on myself and others at the dealership.

 

Yeah if you look at top of the line Optima vs the Cadenza without any packages ($36K for that) then yes the prices are close. Compare the Optima LX with the base price of the Cadenza then yeah theres a big difference. You are fudging the number to suit you.

 

No sir if you understand what has been said I am talking about my experience with the loaner 39k Cadenza and my Optima SXL 36k. No fudging numbers to suit me. Never did I mention the Optima LX, EX or any other Cadenza model (luxury and tech) 42k.

 

So what youre saying is that this thread is not a comparison between the two? Because if not I would not have made the title of the thread "Cadenza VS SX-L." People might get confused

 

Like the title says "Cadenza vs. Optima SXL my experience and thoughts" If that is mis worded Im sorry. My intent was to share my experience with a brand new model close in price and features to my own SXL.

 

No problemo. No hard feelings all around. Maybe: "Got to experience the Cadenza. Heres what I thought." would have been less misleading. But hey I'm a mechanic not a writer. If the front of the cadenza would look like the Optima more, I'd almost be tempted to get that car. But hey. My baby is mine. Not getting rid of it.

Cheers

 

Who cares if he is comparing the two cars....seriously people don't have anything better to do these days then just sit and bitch about everything behind their computers. and then they go on and on and on....ok we get it...you do not think they are comparable cars the OP did...

 

seriously people don't have anything better to do these days then just sit and bitch about everything behind their computers. and then they go on and on and on.

You seem to be one of them. It's like that moment when you realize that youre not stuck in traffic, but you ARE traffic. The reason some of us care is that some people (not talking about Pat Mir now) will say how the Cadenza is better than the Optima and want it instead and how The Optima should have this or that added to it that the Cadenza has and blah blah blah. Comparing apples and oranges.

 

Btw we get a lot of people that come in and want to test drive the Cadenza and the Optima SXL...I just tell them Cadenza is bigger car with a V6 that has more of a Luxury ride/feel and the Optima SXL feels quicker, sportier and get better gas mileage....people usually go for the SXL at this point...lol

And yes...I don't have anything to do right now....bored at work....so I do sometimes just sit behind my computer and bitch about stuff...haha

 

Haha like half the people on here then. Work = optimaforums time lol

 

All good Jasper
Thanks Carlos:thumbsup:

 

:banana: eace:

 

lol

 

How much quieter is the Cadenza? It's getting to a point where I dread riding in my wife's EX because of the road noise.

 

It's pretty siginifcant. The Cadenza is much more solid with additional dampening in the doors.

For me, a $40k+ car is out of the question, no matter how quiet it is. I saw a Cadenza recently for the first time at my dealer - it was on the floor, but oddly no Optima was.

I guess for me the question is, is what you're getting over an Optima worth that extra money.

I know the Cadenza comes "standard" with a lot of options, some of which can be added to the Optima, and when added to an Optima put it closer in price to the Cadenza. But looking at it from the perspective of a standard Optima EX buyer, who had no interest in the extra packages, it's all unnecessary things.

Yeah, there's the V6 vs the four, but the 2.4 GDI seems plenty powerful, and it's efficient, too.

So I see my $22k or so Optima vs a car costing, what, about $20k more... and what do I get for that? I'm not seeing it.

While I agree with your outlook. It does not sound to me like you're in the "class" of those that would be interested in the car. By no way is that implying anything negative, but every consumer is different.

The richest man in the world might drive a Prius every day to work because he doesn't think spending money on a car is worth it. Some people might be broke as all he!! and try to spend every dime they have to look as good as possible.

That's what makes this world our own! Additionally, that's kind of like why the OP posted this thread. I do agree with Jasper that it could've been titled differently, but I'm not faulting any one for that. I welcome the reviews... But, as an owner of both, I Personally classify them in two completely different categories and don't understand the need to compare if just for comparisons sake. Again, comparing because you're deciding what's best for you, that's no problem!!!

Oh, TODAY, my wife and I will be putting these two cars up against each other to see which one is faster. I'll let you guys know tonight!

 

For me, a $40k+ car is out of the question, no matter how quiet it is. I saw a Cadenza recently for the first time at my dealer - it was on the floor, but oddly no Optima was.

I guess for me the question is, is what you're getting over an Optima worth that extra money.

I know the Cadenza comes "standard" with a lot of options, some of which can be added to the Optima, and when added to an Optima put it closer in price to the Cadenza. But looking at it from the perspective of a standard Optima EX buyer, who had no interest in the extra packages, it's all unnecessary things.

Yeah, there's the V6 vs the four, but the 2.4 GDI seems plenty powerful, and it's efficient, too.

So I see my $22k or so Optima vs a car costing, what, about $20k more... and what do I get for that? I'm not seeing it.

 

The cars do not compete in the same class, mid-size vs full size. You may not see the difference but it is there. Looks does not give you the full story, go take one for a drive, then drive it's competitors and for some fun, go drive a Lexus ES, Acura TL and some other luxury cars in the $40K range then come back and give us your opinion.

 

You'll never see it if you can't afford it.................

 

^Yep, you are exactly right.

 

The Cadenza can be had from much less than $40,000. I've had the opportunity to buy a luxury package model for not quite $33,000 and the base for $30,000. So it's not as huge of a price gap as you may believe.

 

Cadenza does nothing for me, it's not exciting, I still rather have a 5 series BMW.

 

In my opinion an sxl and cadenza are a legit comparison.one is bigger and quieter. It didnt feel any more luxurious. I'd say an lx and a sxl have less in common if anything.Go ahead compare away lol @ telling people not to compare certain cars.

 

caranddriver

Kia Optima SX 4 cyl

Zero to 60 mph: 6.4 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 16.2 sec
Zero to 130 mph: 34.4 sec
Street start, 5–60 mph: 6.4 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 15.0 sec @ 96 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 152 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 188 ft


Cadenza

Zero to 60 mph: 6.2 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 15.9 sec
Zero to 130 mph: 33.3 sec
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 6.5 sec
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 3.3 sec
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 4.3 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 14.8 sec @ 97 mph
Top speed (drag limited): 154 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 186 ft

Is the cadenza faster? maybe by a little according to these tests.
Also 4cyl vs 6cyl
274 hp vs 293 i think?

 

car and driver I swear has the slowest test time for the optima and that's of course the one everyone pulls out. I think they are close on paper remember the cadenza weighs more and has less torque I believe. So I figured the optima would edge it out. Either way this is 1 case where its faster still a bit surprising to me though.

 

LMAO..OK don't take the guy that drives them and builds them words for it.
The first time I drove a Cadenza , I knew it was faster than the Optima turbo. I think I've mentioned this already in another thread. The Optima isn't slow by any means. The way the Cadenza pulls you down the highway..there's just something different about it. Plus after playing with enough v6 Sorentos and seeing how it will pull them off the line, it shouldn't have any issues performing even better in the Cadenza.