2001 Chevrolet Impala vs. 1989 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2001 Chevrolet Impala is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Chevrolet Impala is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Esprit (264 HP) has 64 more horse power than 2001 Chevrolet Impala. (200 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2001 Chevrolet Impala. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Chevrolet Impala weights approximately 243 kg more than 1989 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1989 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 1989 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Chevrolet Impala, 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, 1989 Lotus Esprit (353 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Chevrolet Impala. (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Chevrolet Impala. 2001 Chevrolet Impala has automatic transmission and 1989 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1989 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Chevrolet Impala will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Chevrolet Impala | 1989 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Lotus |
| Model | Impala | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 264 HP |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 353 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1572 kg | 1329 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 31 L |
