2003 Lotus Exige vs. 2011 Kia Rio
To start off, 2011 Kia Rio is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Lotus Exige. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Lotus Exige would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Lotus Exige (175 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 2011 Kia Rio. (138 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 2011 Kia Rio. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Kia Rio weights approximately 313 kg more than 2003 Lotus Exige.
Because 2003 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 2003 Lotus Exige. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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 Exige (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Kia Rio. (167 Nm @ 4850 RPM). This means 2003 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Kia Rio. 2011 Kia Rio has automatic transmission and 2003 Lotus Exige has manual transmission. 2003 Lotus Exige will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Kia Rio will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Lotus Exige | 2011 Kia Rio | |
| Make | Lotus | Kia |
| Model | Exige | Rio |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4850 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 780 kg | 1093 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4046 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1455 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 43 L |
