2.4 vs 2.7

[Floorslayer]

Hi, new to the forum and new to Kia ownership. My wife and I recently purchased a 2007 lx with 2.4. She is averaging 28.5 mpg on her commute to work (25 miles hilly country roads and 8-10 miles populated city driving). On a recent 200 mile trip (400 round trip) we got 33.5. I'm very happy with this. Best part is I sat in the back seat with my 5yr old and have absolutely no complaints about space or comfort riding back there.
My question is people's gas mileage with the 2.7. I know it will be a little less than the 2.4, but how much in real life (not epa estimates). We have an oppportunity to buy another Optima with a 2.7 from the same dealer we bought our 2.4. He can't seem to sell it because everyone wants the 2.4. He is asking $11,200 for this 2007 with the 2.7 and 20k miles on it. He's currently got another 2007 2.4 with 18k miles for $11875 we are interested in.
Any and all input on the 2.4 vs 2.7 would be great. I think I would like the extra umpphh of the 6 cyl, but not if it gets alot worse mileage than the 2.4.

Thanks, Jim

[Tuminatuh]

While the 2.7L V6 does have a bit more power, the fuel mileage is a bit worst. With my 2004 EX V6 (back when it was stock) I would average 18-20 mpg around town and 19-22 on the interstate.

The newer Optima's have a new transmission (and an extra gear) so interstate mileage should be much better for the V6. The newer V6 Optima's also are now dual exhaust and feature CVVT (Continuous Variable Valve Timing) to save more fuel when you don't need the extra power.

Overall I would say that the new V6 is probably a safe bet if you want another Optima to drive around town and get slightly less fuel mileage in exchange for a bit more passing oomph. If performance (what little more it has to offer) isn't your cup of tea, stick with the I4 engine for the better fuel mileage.

It really comes down to preference. Gas prices WILL go down eventually (it may not seem like it, but the government is gonna step in soon after the new president takes charge) and the new V6 isn't rated much worst than the I4 for interstate mpg. It's your call, but I am sure you will be happy with either decision.

- Tum

[joebunda]

I have to disagree with Tum. There is no evidence that gas prices will drop significantly.

I find my 04 2.4L has enough power for most situations. Maybe because I am older / more conservative, my driving habits match the power available. I do not need the extra "punch" for uphill passing since I don't do it unless I clearly have enough space, nor do I need to race "off the line" to prove how manly I am.

If you are happy with the 2.4 you have, I say stick with success.

[N106FM]

I have a 2006.5 Optima with the 2.7 V6. In stop and go traffic the mileage is under 20. On the highway at 60 I am getting around 28. The gas mileage seems to be the best when driving over 40MPH and under 60Mph.
I have a Scangauge II hooked up to the car and thats what I am basing the mileage on at different speeds.
Given the choice, I would buy the 2.4 liter engine. Not only is the mileage better, but it doesn't have a timing belt.

Mike

[cmhj2000]

Originally Posted by N106FM

Given the choice, I would buy the 2.4 liter engine. Not only is the mileage better, but it doesn't have a timing belt.

Mike

That's an issue many overlook.

[Tuminatuh]

Originally Posted by joebunda

I have to disagree with Tum. There is no evidence that gas prices will drop significantly.

I find my 04 2.4L has enough power for most situations. Maybe because I am older / more conservative, my driving habits match the power available. I do not need the extra "punch" for uphill passing since I don't do it unless I clearly have enough space, nor do I need to race "off the line" to prove how manly I am.

If you are happy with the 2.4 you have, I say stick with success.

There doesn't have to be evidence... it is common sense. Once a new president takes charge, in order to gain brownie points, he is gonna say "I am going to lower oil prices". Then, oil prices will "mysteriously" lower significantly.

In case you haven't been reading up on it... new bills are being dicussed that will raise taxes for the oil companies in percentage to the price. So the more they charge, the more they get charged. Once the bill is passed the tax will be so high for them that it would cause them to go bankrupt in a few years. They will HAVE to lower prices, or risk going under and plunging the world into chaos. I don't think they want to quit making money (or cause WWIII) so they WILL drop the prices.


Also, don't try to make me look like a boy racer because I said that the V6 was quicker off-the-line. You obviously don't have traffic like we do here in Asheville. Having a car that gets-up-and-goes can make the difference between making it out on the road, getting side-swiped, or having to sit and wait for 5 minutes.

- Tum

Edit: I checked online and poked around for a bit of info on the progress of the oil tax bill... It turns out that on Jun 11th it didn't pass by 9 votes. So I recall my statement on the oil tax. However I still believe we will see prices lower early next year... only time will tell.

[Floorslayer]

The 2.4 has a timing chain instead of a rubberband? Kewl

[Tuminatuh]

Originally Posted by Floorslayer

The 2.4 has a timing chain instead of a rubberband? Kewl

lmao. That statement made me laugh.

- Tum

[tmwan10]

With the improvement in auto technology, whether an engine has a timing chain or a timing belt, it actually makes no difference as long as one remembers to follow scheduled maintenance for the engine. I know that timing belt may break if not changed when due(but may or may not destroy an engine depending on whether it has build-in safeguards when that hapens), but a timing chain will also "lengthen" with time (and this is from my 40+ years driving experience) and has its own problems. Also, an engine with the "rubber belt" is generally quieter.

As for the difference between the 2.4L and the 2.7 V6, a V6 will always give a smoother power transfer than a 4-cylinder engine, like a V8 is better than a V6 in that respect. I have driven a Mitsubisih Lancer with the world's smallest 1.6 V6 engine (Model 6A10) and compared to a Lancer with the 1.6 & the 1.8 4-cylinder engine, is a lot smoother.

Just my 2 cents