2004 Kia Opirus vs. 1987 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2004 Kia Opirus is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 3,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Kia Opirus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Kia Opirus (196 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1987 Lotus Esprit. (160 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Kia Opirus should accelerate faster than 1987 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Kia Opirus weights approximately 693 kg more than 1987 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1987 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 1987 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2004 Kia Opirus (294 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5250 RPM). This means 2004 Kia Opirus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Lotus Esprit. 2004 Kia Opirus has automatic transmission and 1987 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1987 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Kia Opirus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Kia Opirus | 1987 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Kia | Lotus |
| Model | Opirus | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1987 |
| 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 | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 95.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.8 mm | 76.2 mm |
| 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 | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2490 mm |
