1998 Chevrolet Cavalier vs. 1982 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,190 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier. (120 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1982 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier weights approximately 120 kg more than 1982 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1982 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 1982 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1982 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier. (176 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1982 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier | 1982 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Lotus |
| Model | Cavalier | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1982 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2190 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1187 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14.7 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 56 L | 31 L |
