1969 Lotus Elan vs. 2009 Kia Rio
To start off, 2009 Kia Rio is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,558 cc (4 cylinders), 1969 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (116 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2009 Kia Rio. (96 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2009 Kia Rio. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Kia Rio weights approximately 308 kg more than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Because 1969 Lotus Elan 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 1969 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Kia Rio, 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, 1969 Lotus Elan (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Kia Rio. (132 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1969 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Kia Rio. 2009 Kia Rio has automatic transmission and 1969 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1969 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Kia Rio will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 2009 Kia Rio | |
| Make | Lotus | Kia |
| Model | Elan | Rio |
| Year Released | 1969 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1493 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 132 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 75.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 83.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1158 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2420 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 45 L |
