OK, as I have one of each I'll vote. My Optima is a 2.0 T-DGI. My votes are the red.
<post by PatMir on the Optima Forums 5/21/2013>
Cadenza vs. Optima SXL my experience and thoughts
Exterior looks- SXL SX
Interior looks- SXL Cadenza
Seating, comfort for a tall guy- Cadenza, Cadenza has great comfortable seats with that extender on the drivers seat. Cadenza but I'm not tall
Head room, leg room front and back- Cadenza Cadenza
Navigation, touchscreen size, modern graphics, UVO- Cadenza Cadenza
Acceleration- SXL. Someone has stated that an SX owner might be embarrassed by a Cadenza, I dont feel that way. The numbers show they are very close but the Optima feels much more powerful and the engine doesn't get as loud under hard acceleration. Cadenza, at first I had this same feeling but if you drive the Cadenza hard in manual on the revs it hauls
Gas mileage- SXL even though the Cadenza is new and has a V6, the power and mileage even when new is better on the SXL SX
Infinity stereo- SXL. The Cadenza has 12 speakers and is louder but not as deep or nice sounding with surround sound on or off in XM mode only. Cadenza due to the very quiet interior.
Ride and handling- SXL Hugs the curves better feels more secure, Cadenza has a nice smooth quiet ride. Tie Ride Cadenza - Handling SX
Braking- SXL by far. just better stronger stopping power. SX
Fun to drive- SXL due to the above mentioned torque feel and braking. SX weekends short trip
LED lighting front and back-SXL. Prefer the individual bulbs look.