2000 Chevrolet Cavalier vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,190 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (159 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier. (120 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier weights approximately 127 kg more than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1981 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 1981 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 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, 1981 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier. (183 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Lotus |
| Model | Cavalier | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2190 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 183 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 | 1194 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 57 L | 31 L |
