2005 Kia Opirus vs. 1968 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2005 Kia Opirus is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 3,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Kia Opirus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Kia Opirus (200 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1968 Lotus Elan. (116 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Kia Opirus should accelerate faster than 1968 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Kia Opirus weights approximately 1047 kg more than 1968 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 Lotus Elan 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 1968 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2005 Kia Opirus (298 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 152 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Kia Opirus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Lotus Elan. 2005 Kia Opirus has automatic transmission and 1968 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1968 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Kia Opirus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Kia Opirus | 1968 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Kia | Lotus |
| Model | Opirus | Elan |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1968 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3497 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | 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 | 1897 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 45 L |
