1996 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 1987 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1996 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 9 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 3,135 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Lotus Esprit (160 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1996 Chevrolet Malibu. (150 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1996 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 398 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, 1996 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, 1996 Chevrolet Malibu (249 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5250 RPM). This means 1996 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Lotus Esprit. 1996 Chevrolet Malibu 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. 1996 Chevrolet Malibu will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Chevrolet Malibu | 1987 Lotus Esprit | |
Make | Chevrolet | Lotus |
Model | Malibu | Esprit |
Year Released | 1996 | 1987 |
Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 3135 cc | 2174 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 150 HP | 160 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 249 Nm | 221 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 5250 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 1067 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4200 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1120 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2490 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 56 L | 31 L |