1995 Lotus Esprit vs. 2012 Kia Rio
To start off, 2012 Kia Rio is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1995 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Lotus Esprit (301 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 163 more horse power than 2012 Kia Rio. (138 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2012 Kia Rio. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 189 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 1995 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 1995 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, 1995 Lotus Esprit (380 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 213 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Kia Rio. (167 Nm @ 4850 RPM). This means 1995 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Kia Rio. 2012 Kia Rio has automatic transmission and 1995 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1995 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Kia Rio will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Lotus Esprit | 2012 Kia Rio | |
| Make | Lotus | Kia |
| Model | Esprit | Rio |
| Year Released | 1995 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 4850 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1315 kg | 1126 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4420 mm | 4366 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1455 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 43 L |
