2004 Kia Cerato vs. 2002 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2004 Kia Cerato is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Lotus Exige. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Lotus Exige 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 76 more horse power than 2004 Kia Cerato. (101 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 2004 Kia Cerato. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Kia Cerato weights approximately 415 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, 2004 Kia Cerato, 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 38 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Kia Cerato. (143 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2002 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Kia Cerato.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Kia Cerato | 2002 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Kia | Lotus |
| Model | Cerato | Exige |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 143 Nm | 181 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1195 kg | 780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1190 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2310 mm |
