2008 Kia Rio vs. 1996 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2008 Kia Rio is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Kia Rio (139 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1996 Lotus Elise. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Kia Rio should accelerate faster than 1996 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Kia Rio weights approximately 359 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 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 1996 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 1996 Lotus Elise (169 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Kia Rio. (125 Nm @ 6500 RPM). This means 1996 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Kia Rio.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Kia Rio | 1996 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Kia | Lotus |
| Model | Rio | Elise |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1399 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 177 km/hour | 197 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.3 seconds | 5.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1064 kg | 705 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.2 L/100km | 13.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 40 L |
