1956 Austin A 30 vs. 2012 Kia Optima
To start off, 2012 Kia Optima is newer by 56 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Austin A 30. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Austin A 30 would be higher. At 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Kia Optima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Kia Optima (200 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 172 more horse power than 1956 Austin A 30. (28 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Kia Optima should accelerate faster than 1956 Austin A 30. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Kia Optima weights approximately 782 kg more than 1956 Austin A 30. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1956 Austin A 30 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1956 Austin A 30. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Kia Optima, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2012 Kia Optima (252 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 198 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Austin A 30. (54 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2012 Kia Optima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Austin A 30. 2012 Kia Optima has automatic transmission and 1956 Austin A 30 has manual transmission. 1956 Austin A 30 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Kia Optima will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Austin A 30 | 2012 Kia Optima | |
| Make | Austin | Kia |
| Model | A 30 | Optima |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 802 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 28 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 252 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 680 kg | 1462 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3470 mm | 4844 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1831 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1455 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2030 mm | 2797 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 70 L |
