1973 De Tomaso Pantera vs. 2009 Kia Optima
To start off, 2009 Kia Optima is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 De Tomaso Pantera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 De Tomaso Pantera would be higher. At 5,766 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 De Tomaso Pantera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 De Tomaso Pantera (350 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 156 more horse power than 2009 Kia Optima. (194 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 De Tomaso Pantera should accelerate faster than 2009 Kia Optima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Kia Optima weights approximately 169 kg more than 1973 De Tomaso Pantera.
Because 1973 De Tomaso Pantera 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 De Tomaso Pantera. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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 De Tomaso Pantera (525 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 275 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Kia Optima. (250 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1973 De Tomaso Pantera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Kia Optima. 2009 Kia Optima has automatic transmission and 1973 De Tomaso Pantera has manual transmission. 1973 De Tomaso Pantera will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Kia Optima will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 De Tomaso Pantera | 2009 Kia Optima | |
| Make | De Tomaso | Kia |
| Model | Pantera | Optima |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 5766 cc | 2656 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 194 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 525 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 86.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 10.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1519 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2730 mm |
