2005 Kia Optima vs. 1966 Mercury Cyclone
To start off, 2005 Kia Optima is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Mercury Cyclone. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Mercury Cyclone would be higher. At 6,393 cc (8 cylinders), 1966 Mercury Cyclone is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Mercury Cyclone (335 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 165 more horse power than 2005 Kia Optima. (170 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1966 Mercury Cyclone should accelerate faster than 2005 Kia Optima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Mercury Cyclone weights approximately 145 kg more than 2005 Kia Optima. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1966 Mercury Cyclone 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 1966 Mercury Cyclone. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 1966 Mercury Cyclone (579 Nm) has 338 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Kia Optima. (241 Nm). This means 1966 Mercury Cyclone will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Kia Optima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Kia Optima | 1966 Mercury Cyclone | |
| Make | Kia | Mercury |
| Model | Optima | Cyclone |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1966 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2671 cc | 6393 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 335 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 241 Nm | 579 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 103 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1487 kg | 1632 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2950 mm |
