1981 Ford Mustang vs. 2009 Kia Optima
To start off, 2009 Kia Optima is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Kia Optima (194 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1981 Ford Mustang. (173 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Kia Optima should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Kia Optima weights approximately 164 kg more than 1981 Ford Mustang. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Ford Mustang 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 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 1981 Ford Mustang (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Kia Optima. (250 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Kia Optima.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Mustang | 2009 Kia Optima | |
| Make | Ford | Kia |
| Model | Mustang | Optima |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 2656 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 194 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1519 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2730 mm |
