1996 Lotus Elan vs. 2010 Kia Sorento
To start off, 2010 Kia Sorento is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 3,778 cc (6 cylinders), 2010 Kia Sorento is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Kia Sorento (265 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1996 Lotus Elan. (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Kia Sorento should accelerate faster than 1996 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Kia Sorento weights approximately 265 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2010 Kia Sorento is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Lotus Elan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 Kia Sorento 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, 2010 Kia Sorento (360 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2010 Kia Sorento will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lotus Elan. 2010 Kia Sorento has automatic transmission and 1996 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1996 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2010 Kia Sorento will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lotus Elan | 2010 Kia Sorento | |
| Make | Lotus | Kia |
| Model | Elan | Sorento |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 3778 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 265 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1285 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1870 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2720 mm |
