1998 Lotus Elise vs. 2005 Chevrolet Alero
To start off, 2005 Chevrolet Alero is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 2,392 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Chevrolet Alero is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Lotus Elise (187 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 2005 Chevrolet Alero. (140 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2005 Chevrolet Alero. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Chevrolet Alero weights approximately 656 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, 2005 Chevrolet Alero, 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, 2005 Chevrolet Alero (199 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Lotus Elise. (193 Nm @ 5600 RPM). This means 2005 Chevrolet Alero will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Lotus Elise. 2005 Chevrolet Alero 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. 2005 Chevrolet Alero will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Lotus Elise | 2005 Chevrolet Alero | |
| Make | Lotus | Chevrolet |
| Model | Elise | Alero |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2392 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 193 Nm | 199 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 714 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3740 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2730 mm |
