1978 Ford Capri vs. 2004 Kia Optima
To start off, 2004 Kia Optima is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Capri. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Capri would be higher. At 2,994 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Ford Capri is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Ford Capri (175 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 2004 Kia Optima. (137 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Ford Capri should accelerate faster than 2004 Kia Optima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Kia Optima weights approximately 318 kg more than 1978 Ford Capri.
Because 1978 Ford Capri 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 Ford Capri. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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 Ford Capri (263 Nm) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Kia Optima. (199 Nm). This means 1978 Ford Capri will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Kia Optima.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Capri | 2004 Kia Optima | |
| Make | Ford | Kia |
| Model | Capri | Optima |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2994 cc | 2360 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 137 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 263 Nm | 199 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.1:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1488 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2710 mm |
