2006 Kia Optima vs. 1986 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2006 Kia Optima is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,360 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Kia Optima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Lotus Esprit (160 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 2006 Kia Optima. (138 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2006 Kia Optima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Kia Optima weights approximately 937 kg more than 1986 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1986 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 1986 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 1986 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Kia Optima. (199 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1986 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Kia Optima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Kia Optima | 1986 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Kia | Lotus |
| Model | Optima | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2360 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 199 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2004 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 31 L |
