1997 Holden Commodore vs. 2011 Kia Optima
To start off, 2011 Kia Optima is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Holden Commodore. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Holden Commodore would be higher. At 4,987 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Holden Commodore is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Kia Optima (274 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1997 Holden Commodore. (225 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Kia Optima should accelerate faster than 1997 Holden Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Holden Commodore weights approximately 15 kg more than 2011 Kia Optima.
Because 1997 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 1997 Holden Commodore. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 1997 Holden Commodore (395 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Kia Optima. (364 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1997 Holden Commodore will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Kia Optima. 2011 Kia Optima has automatic transmission and 1997 Holden Commodore has manual transmission. 1997 Holden Commodore will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Kia Optima will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Holden Commodore | 2011 Kia Optima | |
| Make | Holden | Kia |
| Model | Commodore | Optima |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4987 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 225 HP | 274 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 395 Nm | 364 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1750 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 | 1550 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4844 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1831 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1560 mm | 1455 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2797 mm |
