1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 2004 Kia Cerato
To start off, 2004 Kia Cerato is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 2004 Kia Cerato. (101 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2004 Kia Cerato. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Kia Cerato weights approximately 75 kg more than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1981 Lotus Esprit 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 1981 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Kia Cerato, 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, 1981 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Kia Cerato. (143 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Kia Cerato. 2004 Kia Cerato has automatic transmission and 1981 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1981 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Kia Cerato will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 2004 Kia Cerato | |
| Make | Lotus | Kia |
| Model | Esprit | Cerato |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 143 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1195 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2620 mm |
