2000 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 1988 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2000 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 3,135 cc (6 cylinders), 2000 Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2000 Chevrolet Malibu. (168 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2000 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 204 kg more than 1988 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1988 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 1988 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 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, 2000 Chevrolet Malibu (257 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2000 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lotus Esprit. 2000 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 1988 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1988 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2000 Chevrolet Malibu will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Chevrolet Malibu | 1988 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Lotus |
| Model | Malibu | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3135 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 257 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1176 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2440 mm |
