1997 Chevrolet Cavalier vs. 2007 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2007 Lotus Elise is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier would be higher. At 2,392 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Lotus Elise (190 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier. (150 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier weights approximately 351 kg more than 2007 Lotus Elise.
Because 2007 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 2007 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier (211 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Lotus Elise. (187 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier | 2007 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Lotus |
| Model | Cavalier | Elise |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2392 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 211 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1247 kg | 896 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 57 L | 40 L |
