1987 Lotus Esprit vs. 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
To start off, 2011 Chevrolet Cruze is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2011 Chevrolet Cruze. (161 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2011 Chevrolet Cruze. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Chevrolet Cruze weights approximately 376 kg more than 1987 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1987 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 1987 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 2011 Chevrolet Cruze (360 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 139 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2011 Chevrolet Cruze will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Lotus Esprit. 2011 Chevrolet Cruze has automatic transmission and 1987 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1987 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Chevrolet Cruze will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Lotus Esprit | 2011 Chevrolet Cruze | |
| Make | Lotus | Chevrolet |
| Model | Esprit | Cruze |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.9:1 | 16.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 222 km/hour | 208 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1104 kg | 1480 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1797 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1140 mm | 1476 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2685 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 59 L |
