Cadenza vs. Optima SXL my experience and thoughts

26705 Views 6 Replies 5 Participants Last post by [email protected], Jun 13, 2013

EscalonJon

Discussion Starter · Jun 4, 2013

<post by PatMir on the Optima Forums 5/21/2013>

Cadenza vs. Optima SXL my experience and thoughts

I brought my SXL in for its second oil change and basic service. I pointed out a burned area on the heat shield behind the engine near the turbo. A plastic hose clamp on the turbo melted so they ordered the new part and heat shield. I was provided a loaner 2014 white Cadenza with luxury package. I had the Cadenza for 3 days. My comparison and experience goes like this.

In short the Cadenza is larger inside and more of a smooth luxury ride compared to the sportier looking and driving Optima.

Exterior looks- SXL
Interior looks- SXL
Seating, comfort for a tall guy- Cadenza, Cadenza has great comfortable seats with that extender on the drivers seat.
Head room, leg room front and back- Cadenza
Navigation, touchscreen size, modern graphics, UVO- 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.
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
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.
Ride and handling- SXL Hugs the curves better feels more secure, Cadenza has a nice smooth quiet ride. Tie
Braking- SXL by far. just better stronger stopping power.
Fun to drive- SXL due to the above mentioned torque feel and braking.
LED lighting front and back-SXL. Prefer the individual bulbs look.

Even though I am excited to be back in my SXL the Cadenza is a nicely done vehicle, feels great and is very roomy without taking up any more space in my garage. Many thoughtful touches including the auto fold mirrors when you walk up the mirrors unfold or fold, key lock for glove box, three settings for seat cooler, covered storage areas.
Just wanted to share my experience, I know others have as well.
Apologies pics are sideways, they uploaded that way and I dont see how I can rotate them.

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FirstUSACadenza

· #2 · Jun 5, 2013 (Edited)

OK, as I have one of each I'll vote. My Optima is a 2.0 T-DGI. My votes are the red.

EscalonJon said:
<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.

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[email protected]

· #3 · Jun 6, 2013

I agree with you 100%.

If I have a choice between MY Optima and the Cadenza when I go outside, I drive the Optima. When I have a choice between a stock Optima SX-L (my current loaner) and the Cadenza, I pick the Cadenza.

I agree with every category of comparison that you posted!

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3_D

· #4 · Jun 10, 2013

FirstUSACadenza said:
OK, as I have one of each I'll vote. My Optima is a 2.0 T-DGI. My votes are the red.

EscalonJon said:

<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.

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Everything I agree on except for Infinity Stereo. Cadenza with surround sound is 100% better than SX. Don't have to adjust for overbearing center channel. Sound with iPod is exceptional.

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[email protected]

· #5 · Jun 11, 2013

For those who aren't sure. The Cadenza is quicker than the Optima. I have put them both up next to each other. The cadenza IS faster.

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aloukienko

· #6 · Jun 11, 2013

[email protected] said:
For those who aren't sure. The Cadenza is quicker than the Optima. I have put them both up next to each other. The cadenza IS faster.

But according to the official info Cadenza is a little slower...
Probably you were the Cadenza driver and won that sprint

Did you go to 0-60? Did you time it?

I have both Optima SX and Cadenza but I'm pretty sure I'll win on any car if second driver will be my wife or daughter

Thanks for post.. good to know as I love my Cadenza

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[email protected]

· #7 · Jun 13, 2013

I was driving the stock Optima SX-L Loaner. My wife was driving the Cadenza.

Nothing fancy in regards to timing. Just a simple green light.

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