1990 Lotus Esprit vs. 2010 Kia Optima
To start off, 2010 Kia Optima is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Kia Optima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Kia Optima (175 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1990 Lotus Esprit. (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Kia Optima should accelerate faster than 1990 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Kia Optima weights approximately 257 kg more than 1990 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 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 1990 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 Kia Optima, 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, 2010 Kia Optima (229 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2010 Kia Optima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Lotus Esprit | 2010 Kia Optima | |
| Make | Lotus | Kia |
| Model | Esprit | Optima |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2010 |
| 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 | 172 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 229 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 | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1432 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4801 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1806 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1481 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2720 mm |
