2006 Lotus Elise vs. 2012 Kia Forte
To start off, 2012 Kia Forte is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Kia Forte is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Lotus Elise (190 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 2012 Kia Forte. (173 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2012 Kia Forte. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Kia Forte weights approximately 385 kg more than 2006 Lotus Elise.
Because 2006 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 2006 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Kia Forte, 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 Forte (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Lotus Elise. (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 2012 Kia Forte will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Lotus Elise. 2012 Kia Forte has automatic transmission and 2006 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 2006 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Kia Forte will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Lotus Elise | 2012 Kia Forte | |
| Make | Lotus | Kia |
| Model | Elise | Forte |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| 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 | 190 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1335 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4341 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1775 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1461 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2649 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 52 L |
