2011 Lotus Exige vs. 2012 Kia Optima
To start off, 2012 Kia Optima is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 Lotus Exige. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Lotus Exige would be higher. At 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Kia Optima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lotus Exige (240 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 2012 Kia Optima. (166 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 2012 Kia Optima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Kia Optima weights approximately 641 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, 2012 Kia Optima, 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 (230 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Kia Optima. (209 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2011 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Kia Optima. 2012 Kia Optima has automatic transmission and 2011 Lotus Exige has manual transmission. 2011 Lotus Exige will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Kia Optima will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Lotus Exige | 2012 Kia Optima | |
| Make | Lotus | Kia |
| Model | Exige | Optima |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1800 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 166 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 209 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 942 kg | 1583 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3797 mm | 4844 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1727 mm | 1831 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1158 mm | 1455 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2299 mm | 2797 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9 L/100km | 5.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.8 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 44 L | 65 L |
