2005 Fiat Panda vs. 2012 Kia Forte
To start off, 2012 Kia Forte is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Fiat Panda. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Fiat Panda would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Kia Forte is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Kia Forte (156 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 2005 Fiat Panda. (54 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Kia Forte should accelerate faster than 2005 Fiat Panda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Kia Forte weights approximately 401 kg more than 2005 Fiat Panda. 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, 2012 Kia Forte (195 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Fiat Panda. (88 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2012 Kia Forte will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Fiat Panda. 2012 Kia Forte has automatic transmission and 2005 Fiat Panda has manual transmission. 2005 Fiat Panda will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Kia Forte will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Fiat Panda | 2012 Kia Forte | |
| Make | Fiat | Kia |
| Model | Panda | Forte |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1108 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 88 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 840 kg | 1241 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 4481 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1765 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2649 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 52 L |
