2005 Kia Optima vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2005 Kia Optima is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,360 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Kia Optima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2005 Kia Optima. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2005 Kia Optima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Kia Optima weights approximately 377 kg more than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1981 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 1981 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Kia Optima, 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, 1981 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Kia Optima. (199 Nm). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Kia Optima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Kia Optima | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Kia | Lotus |
| Model | Optima | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2360 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 199 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1497 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 67 L |
