1987 Buick Regal vs. 2011 Kia Optima
To start off, 2011 Kia Optima is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Buick Regal. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Buick Regal would be higher. At 2,843 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Buick Regal is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Kia Optima (200 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1987 Buick Regal. (135 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Kia Optima should accelerate faster than 1987 Buick Regal. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Kia Optima weights approximately 122 kg more than 1987 Buick Regal. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 (252 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Buick Regal. (244 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2011 Kia Optima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Buick Regal.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Buick Regal | 2011 Kia Optima | |
| Make | Buick | Kia |
| Model | Regal | Optima |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2843 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 244 Nm | 252 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1340 kg | 1462 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4844 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1831 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1455 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2797 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 70 L |
