2005 Lotus Elise vs. 2011 Kia Optima
To start off, 2011 Kia Optima is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Kia Optima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 2011 Kia Optima. (166 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2011 Kia Optima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Kia Optima weights approximately 733 kg more than 2005 Lotus Elise.
Because 2005 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 2005 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 2011 Kia Optima (209 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Lotus Elise. (186 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 2011 Kia Optima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Lotus Elise. 2011 Kia Optima has automatic transmission and 2005 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 2005 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Kia Optima will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2005 Lotus Elise | 2011 Kia Optima | |
Make | Lotus | Kia |
Model | Elise | Optima |
Year Released | 2005 | 2011 |
Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
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 | 189 HP | 166 HP |
Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 186 Nm | 209 Nm |
Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 4250 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1583 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4844 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1831 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1455 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2797 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 65 L |