1979 Toyota Corolla vs. 2011 Kia Optima
To start off, 2011 Kia Optima is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Toyota Corolla. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Toyota Corolla would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Kia Optima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Kia Optima (274 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 167 more horse power than 1979 Toyota Corolla. (107 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Kia Optima should accelerate faster than 1979 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Kia Optima weights approximately 565 kg more than 1979 Toyota Corolla. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Toyota Corolla 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 1979 Toyota Corolla. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 2011 Kia Optima (364 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 217 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Toyota Corolla. (147 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2011 Kia Optima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Toyota Corolla. 2011 Kia Optima has automatic transmission and 1979 Toyota Corolla has manual transmission. 1979 Toyota Corolla will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Kia Optima will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Toyota Corolla | 2011 Kia Optima | |
| Make | Toyota | Kia |
| Model | Corolla | Optima |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 107 HP | 274 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 364 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4844 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1831 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1455 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2797 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 70 L |
