1985 Lotus Esprit vs. 2013 Kia Forte
To start off, 2013 Kia Forte is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Kia Forte is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Kia Forte (171 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1985 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Kia Forte should accelerate faster than 1985 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Kia Forte weights approximately 271 kg more than 1985 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1985 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 1985 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 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, 2013 Kia Forte (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Lotus Esprit. (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2013 Kia Forte will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Lotus Esprit | 2013 Kia Forte | |
| Make | Lotus | Kia |
| Model | Esprit | Forte |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| 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 | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 97 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1068 kg | 1339 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1775 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 52 L |
