1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 2011 Kia Cee'd
To start off, 2011 Kia Cee'd is newer by 23 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 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 2011 Kia Cee'd. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2011 Kia Cee'd. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Kia Cee'd weights approximately 264 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, 2011 Kia Cee'd, 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 Cee'd (305 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2011 Kia Cee'd will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 2011 Kia Cee'd | |
| Make | Lotus | Kia |
| Model | Esprit | Cee'd |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1176 kg | 1440 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2660 mm |
