1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 2003 Kia Amanti
To start off, 2003 Kia Amanti is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 3,491 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Kia Amanti is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lotus Esprit (215 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 2003 Kia Amanti. (201 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2003 Kia Amanti. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Kia Amanti weights approximately 636 kg more than 1988 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1988 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 1988 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Kia Amanti, 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, both vehicles can yield 298 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 2003 Kia Amanti | |
| Make | Lotus | Kia |
| Model | Esprit | Amanti |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 3491 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1188 kg | 1824 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2910 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 70 L |
