2004 Lotus Elise vs. 2012 Kia Sorento
To start off, 2012 Kia Sorento is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Kia Sorento is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Kia Sorento (175 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 2004 Lotus Elise. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Kia Sorento should accelerate faster than 2004 Lotus Elise.
Because 2004 Lotus Elise 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 2004 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Kia Sorento, 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, 2012 Kia Sorento (229 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Lotus Elise. (172 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Kia Sorento will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Lotus Elise | 2012 Kia Sorento | |
| Make | Lotus | Kia |
| Model | Elise | Sorento |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Roadster | SUV |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 229 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4671 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1885 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1709 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 68 L |
