1974 Buick Riviera vs. 2012 Kia Optima
To start off, 2012 Kia Optima is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 7,468 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Buick Riviera (250 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 2012 Kia Optima. (200 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2012 Kia Optima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Buick Riviera weights approximately 578 kg more than 2012 Kia Optima. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Buick Riviera 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 1974 Buick Riviera. 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, 1974 Buick Riviera (518 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 266 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Kia Optima. (252 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1974 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Kia Optima.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Buick Riviera | 2012 Kia Optima | |
| Make | Buick | Kia |
| Model | Riviera | Optima |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 518 Nm | 252 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 1462 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4844 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1831 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1455 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2797 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 70 L |
