2006 Lotus Elise vs. 2013 Kia Optima
To start off, 2013 Kia Optima is newer by 7 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), 2013 Kia Optima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Kia Optima (197 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2006 Lotus Elise. (190 HP @ 7800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Kia Optima should accelerate faster than 2006 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Kia Optima weights approximately 558 kg more than 2006 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2013 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, 2013 Kia Optima (252 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Lotus Elise. (187 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 2013 Kia Optima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Lotus Elise | 2013 Kia Optima | |
| Make | Lotus | Kia |
| Model | Elise | Optima |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1803 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 | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 252 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 97 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 896 kg | 1454 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4845 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1455 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2795 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.1 L/100km | 5.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.8 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 70 L |
