1981 Dodge Mirada vs. 2012 Kia Forte
To start off, 2012 Kia Forte is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Dodge Mirada. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Dodge Mirada would be higher. At 5,210 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Dodge Mirada is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Kia Forte (173 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1981 Dodge Mirada. (145 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Kia Forte should accelerate faster than 1981 Dodge Mirada. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Dodge Mirada weights approximately 410 kg more than 2012 Kia Forte.
Because 1981 Dodge Mirada 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 1981 Dodge Mirada. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Kia Forte, 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, 1981 Dodge Mirada (343 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Kia Forte. (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 Dodge Mirada will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Kia Forte.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Dodge Mirada | 2012 Kia Forte | |
| Make | Dodge | Kia |
| Model | Mirada | Forte |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5210 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 343 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 4481 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1765 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2649 mm |
