1996 Buick Park Avenue vs. 2012 Kia Optima
To start off, 2012 Kia Optima is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Buick Park Avenue. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Buick Park Avenue would be higher. At 3,798 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Buick Park Avenue is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Kia Optima (274 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1996 Buick Park Avenue. (240 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Kia Optima should accelerate faster than 1996 Buick Park Avenue. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Buick Park Avenue weights approximately 205 kg more than 2012 Kia Optima.
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, 1996 Buick Park Avenue (387 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Kia Optima. (364 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1996 Buick Park Avenue will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Kia Optima.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Buick Park Avenue | 2012 Kia Optima | |
| Make | Buick | Kia |
| Model | Park Avenue | Optima |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3798 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 274 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 387 Nm | 364 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1740 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5260 mm | 4844 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1831 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1455 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2797 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
