2003 Kia Opirus vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2003 Kia Opirus is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 3,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Kia Opirus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Kia Opirus (196 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Kia Opirus should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Kia Opirus weights approximately 640 kg more than 1981 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Kia Opirus, 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 Kia Opirus (295 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2003 Kia Opirus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit. 2003 Kia Opirus has automatic transmission and 1981 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1981 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Kia Opirus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Kia Opirus | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Kia | Lotus |
| Model | Opirus | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3497 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 196 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 295 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1760 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2440 mm |
