2008 Kia Sportage vs. 2011 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2011 Lotus Exige is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Kia Sportage. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Kia Sportage would be higher. At 1,974 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Kia Sportage is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lotus Exige (257 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 2008 Kia Sportage. (139 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 2008 Kia Sportage. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Kia Sportage weights approximately 633 kg more than 2011 Lotus Exige.
Because 2011 Lotus Exige 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 2011 Lotus Exige. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Kia Sportage, 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, 2011 Lotus Exige (236 Nm @ 6000 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Kia Sportage. (184 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2011 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Kia Sportage.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Kia Sportage | 2011 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Kia | Lotus |
| Model | Sportage | Exige |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1974 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 257 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 184 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 909 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 3797 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1727 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1740 mm | 1158 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2299 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 44 L |
