2007 Kia Rio vs. 1989 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2007 Kia Rio is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 2007 Kia Rio. (96 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2007 Kia Rio. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 22 kg more than 2007 Kia Rio. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 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 1989 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Kia Rio, 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, 1989 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Kia Rio. (132 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Kia Rio.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Kia Rio | 1989 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Kia | Lotus |
| Model | Rio | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1492 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 132 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1153 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2440 mm |
