1979 Subaru Leone 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 Subaru Leone. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Subaru Leone 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 208 more horse power than 1979 Subaru Leone. (66 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Kia Optima should accelerate faster than 1979 Subaru Leone. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Kia Optima weights approximately 535 kg more than 1979 Subaru Leone. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Subaru Leone is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Kia Optima. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 Subaru Leone will offer significantly more control. 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 254 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Subaru Leone. (110 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 Kia Optima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Subaru Leone. 2012 Kia Optima has automatic transmission and 1979 Subaru Leone has manual transmission. 1979 Subaru Leone will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Kia Optima will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Subaru Leone | 2012 Kia Optima | |
| Make | Subaru | Kia |
| Model | Leone | Optima |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 66 HP | 274 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 364 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 4844 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1831 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1455 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2797 mm |
