1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 2010 Chevrolet Malibu
To start off, 2010 Chevrolet Malibu 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 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 2010 Chevrolet Malibu. (169 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2010 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 373 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 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, 1988 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Chevrolet Malibu. (217 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1988 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 1988 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1988 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:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 2010 Chevrolet Malibu | |
| Make | Lotus | Chevrolet |
| Model | Esprit | Malibu |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 169 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1176 kg | 1549 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4872 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2852 mm |
