1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 2012 Kia Rio
To start off, 2012 Kia Rio is newer by 24 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 (215 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 2012 Kia Rio. (138 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2012 Kia Rio. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 95 kg more than 2012 Kia Rio. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2012 Kia Rio, 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, 1988 Lotus Esprit (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 131 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Kia Rio. (167 Nm @ 4850 RPM). This means 1988 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Kia Rio.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 2012 Kia Rio | |
| Make | Lotus | Kia |
| Model | Esprit | Rio |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4850 RPM |
| 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 | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1188 kg | 1093 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4046 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1455 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 43 L |
