1999 Lotus Elise vs. 2013 Chevrolet Malibu
To start off, 2013 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Chevrolet Malibu (180 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1999 Lotus Elise. (118 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 1999 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 934 kg more than 1999 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 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 1999 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 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, 2013 Chevrolet Malibu (244 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Lotus Elise. (165 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2013 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Lotus Elise. 2013 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 1999 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 1999 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2013 Chevrolet Malibu will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Lotus Elise | 2013 Chevrolet Malibu | |
| Make | Lotus | Chevrolet |
| Model | Elise | Malibu |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.4 mm | 98 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 708 kg | 1642 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4859 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1854 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2738 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 60 L |
