1981 Holden Statesman vs. 2009 Kia Forte
To start off, 2009 Kia Forte is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Holden Statesman. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Holden Statesman would be higher. At 5,041 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Holden Statesman is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Holden Statesman (169 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 2009 Kia Forte. (156 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Holden Statesman should accelerate faster than 2009 Kia Forte. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Holden Statesman weights approximately 492 kg more than 2009 Kia Forte. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 Holden Statesman. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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 Holden Statesman (361 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 166 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Kia Forte. (195 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1981 Holden Statesman will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Kia Forte. 1981 Holden Statesman has automatic transmission and 2009 Kia Forte has manual transmission. 2009 Kia Forte will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Holden Statesman will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Holden Statesman | 2009 Kia Forte | |
| Make | Holden | Kia |
| Model | Statesman | Forte |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5041 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 169 HP | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 361 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1720 kg | 1228 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5160 mm | 4529 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1775 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1461 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2649 mm |
