1996 Buick Roadmaster 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 Roadmaster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Buick Roadmaster would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Buick Roadmaster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Buick Roadmaster (256 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 2012 Kia Optima. (200 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Buick Roadmaster should accelerate faster than 2012 Kia Optima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Buick Roadmaster weights approximately 396 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.
Because 1996 Buick Roadmaster 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 1996 Buick Roadmaster. 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, 1996 Buick Roadmaster (447 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 195 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Kia Optima. (252 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1996 Buick Roadmaster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Kia Optima. 1996 Buick Roadmaster 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 Roadmaster will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Buick Roadmaster | 2012 Kia Optima | |
Make | Buick | Kia |
Model | Roadmaster | Optima |
Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5733 cc | 2400 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 256 HP | 200 HP |
Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
Torque | 447 Nm | 252 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4250 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1850 kg | 1454 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5490 mm | 4844 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1831 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1455 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2797 mm |