1991 Lotus Esprit vs. 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Cruze is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1991 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 2012 Chevrolet Cruze. (138 HP @ 4900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2012 Chevrolet Cruze. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Chevrolet Cruze weights approximately 232 kg more than 1991 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1991 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 1991 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, 1991 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Chevrolet Cruze. (200 Nm @ 1850 RPM). This means 1991 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Chevrolet Cruze.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Lotus Esprit | 2012 Chevrolet Cruze | |
| Make | Lotus | Chevrolet |
| Model | Esprit | Cruze |
| Year Released | 1991 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1850 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 Weight | 1175 kg | 1407 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4597 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1788 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1476 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2685 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 59 L |
