1980 Holden Statesman vs. 2011 Kia Optima
To start off, 2011 Kia Optima is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Holden Statesman. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Holden Statesman would be higher. At 5,042 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Holden Statesman is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Kia Optima (274 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 1980 Holden Statesman. (169 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Kia Optima should accelerate faster than 1980 Holden Statesman. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Holden Statesman weights approximately 187 kg more than 2011 Kia Optima.
Because 1980 Holden Statesman 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 1980 Holden Statesman. 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 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Holden Statesman. (361 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2011 Kia Optima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Holden Statesman.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Holden Statesman | 2011 Kia Optima | |
| Make | Holden | Kia |
| Model | Statesman | Optima |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5042 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 169 HP | 274 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 361 Nm | 364 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1722 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5160 mm | 4844 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1831 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1455 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2797 mm |
