1979 Honda Accord vs. 2012 Kia Optima
To start off, 2012 Kia Optima is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Honda Accord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Honda Accord would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Kia Optima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Kia Optima (274 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 194 more horse power than 1979 Honda Accord. (80 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Kia Optima should accelerate faster than 1979 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Kia Optima weights approximately 605 kg more than 1979 Honda Accord. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2012 Kia Optima (364 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 238 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Honda Accord. (126 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2012 Kia Optima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Honda Accord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Honda Accord | 2012 Kia Optima | |
| Make | Honda | Kia |
| Model | Accord | Optima |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 80 HP | 274 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 364 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4844 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1831 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1455 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2797 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 70 L |
