1984 Lotus Esprit vs. 2011 Kia Forte
To start off, 2011 Kia Forte is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Kia Forte is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Kia Forte (173 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1984 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Kia Forte should accelerate faster than 1984 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Kia Forte weights approximately 223 kg more than 1984 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1984 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 1984 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Kia Forte, 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, 2011 Kia Forte (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Lotus Esprit. (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2011 Kia Forte will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Lotus Esprit | 2011 Kia Forte | |
| Make | Lotus | Kia |
| Model | Esprit | Forte |
| Year Released | 1984 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4481 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1765 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2649 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 52 L |
