1995 Lotus Esprit vs. 2012 Kia Sportage
To start off, 2012 Kia Sportage 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 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Kia Sportage is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Lotus Esprit (286 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 2012 Kia Sportage. (176 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2012 Kia Sportage.
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 Sportage, 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 (354 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Kia Sportage. (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1995 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Kia Sportage.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Lotus Esprit | 2012 Kia Sportage | |
| Make | Lotus | Kia |
| Model | Esprit | Sportage |
| Year Released | 1995 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| 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 | 286 HP | 176 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 354 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4000 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 Length | 4380 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1854 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1636 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 58 L |
