1971 Chevrolet Impala vs. 2012 Kia Forte
To start off, 2012 Kia Forte is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Chevrolet Impala. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Chevrolet Impala would be higher. At 4,092 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Chevrolet Impala is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Kia Forte (156 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1971 Chevrolet Impala. (110 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Kia Forte should accelerate faster than 1971 Chevrolet Impala. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Chevrolet Impala weights approximately 427 kg more than 2012 Kia Forte.
Because 1971 Chevrolet Impala 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 1971 Chevrolet Impala. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Kia Forte, 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, 1971 Chevrolet Impala (256 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Kia Forte. (195 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1971 Chevrolet Impala will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Kia Forte. 2012 Kia Forte has automatic transmission and 1971 Chevrolet Impala has manual transmission. 1971 Chevrolet Impala will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Kia Forte will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Chevrolet Impala | 2012 Kia Forte | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Kia |
| Model | Impala | Forte |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4092 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 256 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1715 kg | 1288 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5600 mm | 4341 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1775 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1461 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3100 mm | 2649 mm |
