1992 Holden Commodore vs. 2009 Kia Optima
To start off, 2009 Kia Optima is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1992 Holden Commodore. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1992 Holden Commodore would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1992 Holden Commodore is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Kia Optima (194 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1992 Holden Commodore. (171 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Kia Optima should accelerate faster than 1992 Holden Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Kia Optima weights approximately 124 kg more than 1992 Holden Commodore. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1992 Holden Commodore 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 1992 Holden Commodore. 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, 1992 Holden Commodore (288 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Kia Optima. (250 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1992 Holden Commodore will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Kia Optima. 2009 Kia Optima has automatic transmission and 1992 Holden Commodore has manual transmission. 1992 Holden Commodore will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Kia Optima will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 Holden Commodore | 2009 Kia Optima | |
| Make | Holden | Kia |
| Model | Commodore | Optima |
| Year Released | 1992 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2656 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 194 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 288 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1519 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2730 mm |
