2003 Kia Opirus vs. 1972 Plymouth Valiant
To start off, 2003 Kia Opirus is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Plymouth Valiant. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Plymouth Valiant would be higher. At 3,678 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Plymouth Valiant is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Kia Opirus (196 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1972 Plymouth Valiant. (109 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Kia Opirus should accelerate faster than 1972 Plymouth Valiant. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Kia Opirus weights approximately 450 kg more than 1972 Plymouth Valiant. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 Plymouth Valiant 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 1972 Plymouth Valiant. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Kia Opirus, 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, 2003 Kia Opirus (295 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Plymouth Valiant. (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2003 Kia Opirus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Plymouth Valiant.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Kia Opirus | 1972 Plymouth Valiant | |
| Make | Kia | Plymouth |
| Model | Opirus | Valiant |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3497 cc | 3678 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 196 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 295 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.8 mm | 104.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1760 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2750 mm |
