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, 1996 Buick Park Avenue (240 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 2012 Kia Optima. (200 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Buick Park Avenue should accelerate faster than 2012 Kia Optima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Buick Park Avenue weights approximately 286 kg more than 2012 Kia Optima. 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, 1996 Buick Park Avenue (387 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Kia Optima. (252 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1996 Buick Park Avenue will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Kia Optima. 1996 Buick Park Avenue has automatic transmission and 2012 Kia Optima has manual transmission. 2012 Kia Optima will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Buick Park Avenue will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
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 | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 387 Nm | 252 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1740 kg | 1454 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 |
