2007 Lotus Elise vs. 2012 Kia Optima
To start off, 2012 Kia Optima is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2007 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Kia Optima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Lotus Elise (190 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 2012 Kia Optima. (166 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2012 Kia Optima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Kia Optima weights approximately 687 kg more than 2007 Lotus Elise.
Because 2007 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 2007 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2012 Kia Optima (209 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Lotus Elise. (187 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 2012 Kia Optima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Lotus Elise. 2012 Kia Optima has automatic transmission and 2007 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 2007 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Kia Optima will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2007 Lotus Elise | 2012 Kia Optima | |
Make | Lotus | Kia |
Model | Elise | Optima |
Year Released | 2007 | 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 | 166 HP |
Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 187 Nm | 209 Nm |
Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 4250 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 896 kg | 1583 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4844 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1831 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1455 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2797 mm |
Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.1 L/100km | 5.9 L/100km |
Fuel Consumption City | 9.8 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 65 L |