1999 Kia Sephia vs. 2004 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2004 Lotus Elise is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Kia Sephia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Kia Sephia would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Lotus Elise (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1999 Kia Sephia. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1999 Kia Sephia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Kia Sephia weights approximately 345 kg more than 2004 Lotus Elise.
Because 2004 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 2004 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Kia Sephia, 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, 2004 Lotus Elise (172 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Kia Sephia. (148 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2004 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Kia Sephia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Kia Sephia | 2004 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Kia | Lotus |
| Model | Sephia | Elise |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1594 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.3 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1095 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2310 mm |
