1995 Chevrolet Cavalier vs. 1988 Lotus Esprit

To start off, 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier is newer by 7 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 2,392 cc (4 cylinders), 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lotus Esprit (215 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier. (150 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier weights approximately 27 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, 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier, 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 (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier. (210 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1988 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier. 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier 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. 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

1995 Chevrolet Cavalier 1988 Lotus Esprit
Make Chevrolet Lotus
Model Cavalier Esprit
Year Released 1995 1988
Body Type Convertible Coupe
Engine Position Front Middle
Engine Size 2392 cc 2174 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Valves per Cylinder 4 valves 4 valves
Horse Power 150 HP 215 HP
Engine RPM 5600 RPM 6000 RPM
Torque 210 Nm 298 Nm
Torque RPM 4400 RPM 4250 RPM
Engine Bore Size 90 mm 95.3 mm
Engine Stroke Size 94 mm 76.2 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 9.5:1 8.0:1
Drive Type Front Rear
Transmission Type Automatic Manual
Number of Seats 5 seats 2 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 2 doors
Vehicle Weight 1215 kg 1188 kg
Vehicle Length 4590 mm 4350 mm
Vehicle Width 1720 mm 1870 mm
Vehicle Height 1380 mm 1160 mm
Wheelbase Size 2650 mm 2440 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 57 L 31 L