2008 Kia Carnival vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2008 Kia Carnival is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,497 cc, 2008 Kia Carnival is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Kia Carnival weights approximately 868 kg more than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1981 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 1981 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Kia Carnival, 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, 2008 Kia Carnival (224 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 Kia Carnival will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit. 2008 Kia Carnival has automatic transmission and 1981 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1981 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Kia Carnival will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Kia Carnival | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Kia | Lotus |
| Model | Carnival | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2174 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 0 HP | 158 HP |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.4:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1988 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 67 L |
