1978 Buick Regal vs. 2012 Kia Optima
To start off, 2012 Kia Optima is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Buick Regal. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Buick Regal would be higher. At 3,214 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Buick Regal is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Kia Optima (166 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1978 Buick Regal. (90 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Kia Optima should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick Regal. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Kia Optima weights approximately 153 kg more than 1978 Buick Regal. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Buick Regal 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 1978 Buick Regal. 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, 1978 Buick Regal (224 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Kia Optima. (209 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1978 Buick Regal will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Kia Optima.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Buick Regal | 2012 Kia Optima | |
Make | Buick | Kia |
Model | Regal | Optima |
Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3214 cc | 2400 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 90 HP | 166 HP |
Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 224 Nm | 209 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1583 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4844 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1831 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1455 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2797 mm |