2008 Kia Sportage vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2008 Kia Sportage 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 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 2008 Kia Sportage. (111 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2008 Kia Sportage. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Kia Sportage weights approximately 567 kg more than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Because 2008 Kia Sportage is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Lotus Esprit. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Kia Sportage will offer significantly more control. 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 Sportage (245 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 Kia Sportage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Kia Sportage | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Kia | Lotus |
| Model | Sportage | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1981 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 111 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.7:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1687 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1740 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 67 L |
