1999 Kia Elan vs. 2012 Acura TL
To start off, 2012 Acura TL is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Kia Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Kia Elan would be higher. At 3,700 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Acura TL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Acura TL (305 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 156 more horse power than 1999 Kia Elan. (149 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Acura TL should accelerate faster than 1999 Kia Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Acura TL weights approximately 732 kg more than 1999 Kia Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Acura TL is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1999 Kia Elan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Acura TL 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, 2012 Acura TL (370 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 184 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Kia Elan. (186 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Acura TL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Kia Elan. 2012 Acura TL has automatic transmission and 1999 Kia Elan has manual transmission. 1999 Kia Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Acura TL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Kia Elan | 2012 Acura TL | |
| Make | Kia | Acura |
| Model | Elan | TL |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1793 cc | 3700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1068 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4928 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1453 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2776 mm |
