2001 Kia Rio vs. 2002 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2002 Lotus Exige is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Kia Rio. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Kia Rio would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Lotus Exige (177 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 2001 Kia Rio. (74 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 2001 Kia Rio. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Kia Rio weights approximately 145 kg more than 2002 Lotus Exige.
Because 2002 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 2002 Lotus Exige. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 2002 Lotus Exige (181 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Kia Rio. (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2002 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Kia Rio.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Kia Rio | 2002 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Kia | Lotus |
| Model | Rio | Exige |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1342 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 181 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 925 kg | 780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1190 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2310 mm |
