1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 2010 Chevrolet Malibu
To start off, 2010 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 29 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 2,399 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Chevrolet Malibu (162 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (159 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 1318 kg more than 1981 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Lotus Esprit 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 1981 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 Chevrolet Malibu, 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, 1981 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Chevrolet Malibu. (159 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Chevrolet Malibu. 2010 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 1981 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1981 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2010 Chevrolet Malibu will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 2010 Chevrolet Malibu | |
| Make | Lotus | Chevrolet |
| Model | Esprit | Malibu |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2399 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 159 HP | 162 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 159 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.6:1 |
| 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 | 1067 kg | 2385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.1 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 61 L |
