1997 Kia Sephia vs. 1980 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1997 Kia Sephia is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 129 more horse power than 1997 Kia Sephia. (79 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1997 Kia Sephia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 126 kg more than 1997 Kia Sephia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 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 1980 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Kia Sephia, 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, 1980 Lotus Esprit (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 157 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Kia Sephia. (120 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Kia Sephia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Kia Sephia | 1980 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Kia | Lotus |
| Model | Sephia | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 120 Nm | 277 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1206 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2450 mm |
