2001 Kia Carens vs. 1991 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2001 Kia Carens is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1991 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 2001 Kia Carens. (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1991 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2001 Kia Carens. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Kia Carens weights approximately 85 kg more than 1991 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1991 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 1991 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Kia Carens, 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, 1991 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Kia Carens. (155 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1991 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Kia Carens.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Kia Carens | 1991 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Kia | Lotus |
| Model | Carens | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1991 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1793 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 155 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4940 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1770 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2460 mm |
