2009 Kia Rio vs. 2001 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2009 Kia Rio is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Lotus Elise (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 2009 Kia Rio. (81 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2009 Kia Rio. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Kia Rio weights approximately 758 kg more than 2001 Lotus Elise.
Because 2001 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 2001 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2001 Lotus Elise (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Kia Rio. (117 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2001 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Kia Rio.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Kia Rio | 2001 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Kia | Lotus |
| Model | Rio | Elise |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1343 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75.5 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 165 km/hour | 199 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1508 kg | 750 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 Tank Capacity | 45 L | 31 L |
