2008 Kia Carens vs. 1989 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2008 Kia Carens is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,991 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Kia Carens is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Elan (165 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 2008 Kia Carens. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2008 Kia Carens. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Kia Carens weights approximately 611 kg more than 1989 Lotus Elan.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2008 Kia Carens (305 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Lotus Elan. (201 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2008 Kia Carens will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Kia Carens | 1989 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Kia | Lotus |
| Model | Carens | Elan |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 201 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 80.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.3:1 | 8.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1631 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2260 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 65 L |
