2005 Lotus Elise vs. 2012 Kia Optima
To start off, 2012 Kia Optima 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Kia Optima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Kia Optima (274 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 2005 Lotus Elise. (190 HP @ 8000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Kia Optima should accelerate faster than 2005 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Kia Optima weights approximately 639 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 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, 2012 Kia Optima (364 Nm) has 177 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Lotus Elise. (187 Nm). This means 2012 Kia Optima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Lotus Elise. 2012 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. 2012 Kia Optima will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2005 Lotus Elise | 2012 Kia Optima | |
Make | Lotus | Kia |
Model | Elise | Optima |
Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2000 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 190 HP | 274 HP |
Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 187 Nm | 364 Nm |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 896 kg | 1535 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 Consumption Highway | 8.7 L/100km | 6.9 L/100km |
Fuel Consumption City | 10.2 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |