1987 Pontiac Fiero vs. 2012 Kia Optima
To start off, 2012 Kia Optima is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Pontiac Fiero. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Pontiac Fiero would be higher. At 2,827 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Pontiac Fiero is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Kia Optima (274 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 1987 Pontiac Fiero. (140 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Kia Optima should accelerate faster than 1987 Pontiac Fiero. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Kia Optima weights approximately 323 kg more than 1987 Pontiac Fiero. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1987 Pontiac Fiero 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 1987 Pontiac Fiero. 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) has 144 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Pontiac Fiero. (220 Nm). This means 2012 Kia Optima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Pontiac Fiero. 2012 Kia Optima has automatic transmission and 1987 Pontiac Fiero has manual transmission. 1987 Pontiac Fiero will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Kia Optima will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Pontiac Fiero | 2012 Kia Optima | |
| Make | Pontiac | Kia |
| Model | Fiero | Optima |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2827 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 274 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 364 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1212 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4844 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1831 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1455 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2380 mm | 2797 mm |
