2008 Kia Rio vs. 2006 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2008 Kia Rio is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 2008 Kia Rio. (96 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2008 Kia Rio. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Kia Rio weights approximately 367 kg more than 2006 Lotus Elise.
Because 2006 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 2006 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, 2006 Lotus Elise (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Kia Rio. (132 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 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 | 2006 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Kia | Lotus |
| Model | Rio | Elise |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1491 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 132 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75.5 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.4 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 175 km/hour | 241 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.6 seconds | 5.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1153 kg | 786 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.2 L/100km | 8.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 40 L |
