1999 Kia Rio vs. 2009 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2009 Lotus Exige is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Kia Rio. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Kia Rio would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Exige (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1999 Kia Rio. (74 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1999 Kia Rio. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Kia Rio weights approximately 9 kg more than 2009 Lotus Exige.
Because 2009 Lotus Exige 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 2009 Lotus Exige. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 2009 Lotus Exige (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Kia Rio. (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Kia Rio.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Kia Rio | 2009 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Kia | Lotus |
| Model | Rio | Exige |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1343 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 925 kg | 916 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2310 mm |
