1981 Ford Mustang vs. 2012 Kia Optima
To start off, 2012 Kia Optima is newer by 31 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, 2012 Kia Optima (274 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1981 Ford Mustang. (173 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Kia Optima should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Kia Optima weights approximately 180 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, 2012 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, 2012 Kia Optima (364 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Mustang. (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Kia Optima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Ford Mustang | 2012 Kia Optima | |
Make | Ford | Kia |
Model | Mustang | Optima |
Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4942 cc | 2000 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 173 HP | 274 HP |
Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 332 Nm | 364 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1750 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 | 1535 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4844 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1831 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1455 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2797 mm |