1997 Lotus Elise vs. 2013 Kia RIO
To start off, 2013 Kia RIO is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Kia RIO (136 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1997 Lotus Elise. (117 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Kia RIO should accelerate faster than 1997 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Kia RIO weights approximately 424 kg more than 1997 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Lotus Elise 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 1997 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 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, 1997 Lotus Elise (169 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Kia RIO. (167 Nm @ 4850 RPM). This means 1997 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Kia RIO. 2013 Kia RIO has automatic transmission and 1997 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 1997 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2013 Kia RIO will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Lotus Elise | 2013 Kia RIO | |
| Make | Lotus | Kia |
| Model | Elise | RIO |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 117 HP | 136 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4850 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.4 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 705 kg | 1129 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4045 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1455 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 43 L |
