1996 Kia Retona vs. 2011 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2011 Lotus Elise is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Kia Retona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Kia Retona would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Kia Retona is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lotus Elise (217 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 127 more horse power than 1996 Kia Retona. (90 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1996 Kia Retona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Kia Retona weights approximately 944 kg more than 2011 Lotus Elise.
Because 1996 Kia Retona is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2011 Lotus Elise. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Kia Retona will offer significantly more control. 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 Lotus Elise (210 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Kia Retona. (205 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2011 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Kia Retona.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Kia Retona | 2011 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Kia | Lotus |
| Model | Retona | Elise |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | SUV | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 205 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1870 kg | 926 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 3785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1840 mm | 1118 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2299 mm |
