2001 Kia Rio vs. 2005 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2005 Lotus Esprit is newer by 4 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 3,506 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Esprit (349 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 275 more horse power than 2001 Kia Rio. (74 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2001 Kia Rio. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 455 kg more than 2001 Kia Rio. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 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 2005 Lotus Esprit. 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, 2005 Lotus Esprit (400 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 279 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Kia Rio. (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Kia Rio.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Kia Rio | 2005 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Kia | Lotus |
| Model | Rio | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1342 cc | 3506 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 349 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| 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 | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4420 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2430 mm |
