1961 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 2012 Kia Optima
To start off, 2012 Kia Optima is newer by 51 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 4,637 cc (8 cylinders), 1961 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Kia Optima (274 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1961 Chevrolet Corvette. (227 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Kia Optima should accelerate faster than 1961 Chevrolet Corvette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Kia Optima weights approximately 135 kg more than 1961 Chevrolet Corvette. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1961 Chevrolet Corvette 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 1961 Chevrolet Corvette. 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, 1961 Chevrolet Corvette (407 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Kia Optima. (364 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1961 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Kia Optima.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Chevrolet Corvette | 2012 Kia Optima | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Kia |
| Model | Corvette | Optima |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4637 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 227 HP | 274 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 407 Nm | 364 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4844 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1831 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1455 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2797 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 70 L |
