1974 Chevrolet Caprice 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 Chevrolet Caprice. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Chevrolet Caprice would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Kia Optima (200 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1974 Chevrolet Caprice. (143 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Kia Optima should accelerate faster than 1974 Chevrolet Caprice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 566 kg more than 2012 Kia Optima.
Because 1974 Chevrolet Caprice 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 Chevrolet Caprice. 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 Chevrolet Caprice (339 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Kia Optima. (252 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1974 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Kia Optima. 1974 Chevrolet Caprice has automatic transmission and 2012 Kia Optima has manual transmission. 2012 Kia Optima will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Chevrolet Caprice will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Chevrolet Caprice | 2012 Kia Optima | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Kia |
| Model | Caprice | Optima |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 339 Nm | 252 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 2020 kg | 1454 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5670 mm | 4844 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1831 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1455 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3100 mm | 2797 mm |
