2006 Kia Sportage vs. 1989 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2006 Kia Sportage is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,975 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Kia Sportage is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Elan (165 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2006 Kia Sportage. (140 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2006 Kia Sportage. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Kia Sportage weights approximately 456 kg more than 1989 Lotus Elan.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1989 Lotus Elan (201 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Kia Sportage. (184 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Kia Sportage.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Kia Sportage | 1989 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Kia | Lotus |
| Model | Sportage | Elan |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1989 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1975 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 184 Nm | 201 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 80.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1476 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1700 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2260 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 65 L |
