1973 Buick Skylark vs. 2006 Kia Optima
To start off, 2006 Kia Optima is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Buick Skylark. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Buick Skylark would be higher. At 5,724 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Buick Skylark is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Buick Skylark (150 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2006 Kia Optima. (138 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Buick Skylark should accelerate faster than 2006 Kia Optima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Kia Optima weights approximately 399 kg more than 1973 Buick Skylark.
Because 1973 Buick Skylark 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 1973 Buick Skylark. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 1973 Buick Skylark (366 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 167 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Kia Optima. (199 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1973 Buick Skylark will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Kia Optima.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Buick Skylark | 2006 Kia Optima | |
| Make | Buick | Kia |
| Model | Skylark | Optima |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5724 cc | 2360 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 199 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 2004 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 65 L |
