1976 Buick LeSabre vs. 2005 Kia Optima
To start off, 2005 Kia Optima is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Buick LeSabre. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Buick LeSabre would be higher. At 4,942 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Buick LeSabre is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Kia Optima (170 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1976 Buick LeSabre. (138 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Kia Optima should accelerate faster than 1976 Buick LeSabre. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Buick LeSabre weights approximately 199 kg more than 2005 Kia Optima.
Because 1976 Buick LeSabre 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 1976 Buick LeSabre. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 1976 Buick LeSabre (319 Nm) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Kia Optima. (241 Nm). This means 1976 Buick LeSabre will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Kia Optima.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Buick LeSabre | 2005 Kia Optima | |
| Make | Buick | Kia |
| Model | LeSabre | Optima |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 2671 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1686 kg | 1487 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3050 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 65 L |
