2007 Kia Rio vs. 2003 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2007 Kia Rio is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 1,973 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Lotus Esprit (240 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 145 more horse power than 2007 Kia Rio. (95 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2007 Kia Rio. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 225 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 2003 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 2003 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, 2003 Lotus Esprit (294 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 167 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Kia Rio. (127 Nm @ 6500 RPM). This means 2003 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Kia Rio. 2007 Kia Rio has automatic transmission and 2003 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 2003 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Kia Rio will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Kia Rio | 2003 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Kia | Lotus |
| Model | Rio | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1399 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 95 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 127 Nm | 294 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1305 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1700 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2430 mm |
