1996 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 1998 Lotus Elise
To start off, 1998 Lotus Elise is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Chevrolet Malibu. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Chevrolet Malibu would be higher. At 3,135 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Lotus Elise (187 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1996 Chevrolet Malibu. (150 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1996 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 751 kg more than 1998 Lotus Elise.
Because 1998 Lotus Elise 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 1998 Lotus Elise. 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 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Lotus Elise. (193 Nm @ 5600 RPM). This means 1996 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Lotus Elise. 1996 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 1998 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 1998 Lotus Elise 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 | 1998 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Lotus |
| Model | Malibu | Elise |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3135 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 249 Nm | 193 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 5600 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 | 714 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 3740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2310 mm |
