2000 Kia Rio vs. 2003 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2003 Lotus Elise is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Kia Rio. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Kia Rio would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Lotus Elise (121 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 2000 Kia Rio. (74 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2000 Kia Rio. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Kia Rio weights approximately 175 kg more than 2003 Lotus Elise.
Because 2003 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 2003 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 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, 2003 Lotus Elise (175 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Kia Rio. (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Kia Rio.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Kia Rio | 2003 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Kia | Lotus |
| Model | Rio | Elise |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Roadster |
| 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 | 121 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2310 mm |
