1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt
To start off, 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,201 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt. (156 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt weights approximately 244 kg more than 1988 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1988 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 1988 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, 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, 1988 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt. (203 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1988 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt | |
| Make | Lotus | Chevrolet |
| Model | Esprit | Cobalt |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2201 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1176 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2630 mm |
