1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Cruze is newer by 31 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 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2012 Chevrolet Cruze. (138 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2012 Chevrolet Cruze.
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, 2012 Chevrolet Cruze, 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 54 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Chevrolet Cruze. (167 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Chevrolet Cruze.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 2012 Chevrolet Cruze | |
| Make | Lotus | Chevrolet |
| Model | Esprit | Cruze |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4597 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1788 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1476 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2685 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 59 L |
