BMW has more competition than ever before, especially against its sport sedans and coupes. There’s never been this many brands making good sport sedans and coupes as there is now. While that’s great for customers, it can hurt BMW’s sales. Especially when customers can get into a car that’s just as fast, almost as stylish and handles almost as well, for a much lower cost. That’s exactly what the new KIA Stinger GT offers, as a budget alternative to the BMW 440i Gran Coupe. So which one would you prefer? Auto Guide asks its audience in this latest poll.

On paper, they’re actually remarkably similar. The BMW 440i Gran Coupe is a four-door coupe with a lift-back trunk that can seat four adults, or two adults and three children, quite comfortably while also providing good trunk space. It’s powered by a 3.0 liter turbocharged I6 engine that makes 320 hp and 330 lb-ft of torque. That engine is paired solely with an eight-speed automatic and can be had in either rear or all-wheel drive guises.

As for the KIA Stinger GT, it’s also a four-door with a lift-back trunk and stylish design. Under its hood lies a 3.3 liter twin-turbocharged V6 that makes 365 hp and 376 lb-ft of twist. That twin-turbo V6 is also mated to an eight-speed automatic and can power either rear or all-wheel drive.

While the KIA makes more power, it’s actually a bit slower. According to Car and Driver (from whom I got these performance figures), the all-wheel drive KIA Stinger gets from 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds while the rear-drive BMW 440i does the deed in 4.4 seconds. Maybe Bavarian horses are stronger than Korean ones. Still, though, the Stinger is quick, far quicker than any customer will need. And it’s an impressive first effort from KIA.

Now, if you’re careful with the options list, a mechanically-comparable KIA Stinger can be had for quite a bit less than the 440i GC, about $10k or so. However, start adding options and it can quickly get well within striking distance of the Bimmer’s price, even matching it. And, while very well-equipped and packed with tech, it isn’t has high-tech or as luxurious as the BMW 440i Gran Coupe. So, for my money, I’d choose the 440i GC. However, if someone is on a budget and just wants a fast, stylish sport sedan and doesn’t need fancy options, the KIA Stinger might be the choice. In fact, on Auto Guide’s poll, the Stinger has the Bimmer beat by a long ways.

[Source: Auto Guide]