2005 Lotus Elise vs. 2012 Kia Carens
To start off, 2012 Kia Carens is newer by 7 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 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Kia Carens (124 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2005 Lotus Elise. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Kia Carens should accelerate faster than 2005 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Kia Carens weights approximately 730 kg more than 2005 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2012 Kia Carens, 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 Lotus Elise (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Kia Carens. (163 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Kia Carens. 2012 Kia Carens 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. 2012 Kia Carens will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Elise | 2012 Kia Carens | |
| Make | Lotus | Kia |
| Model | Elise | Carens |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1793 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 163 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 87 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 177 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.7 seconds | 12 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 785 kg | 1515 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1620 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.3 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 55 L |
