2003 Lotus Elise vs. 2010 Chevrolet Malibu
To start off, 2010 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Chevrolet Malibu (170 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 2003 Lotus Elise. (121 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 2003 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 799 kg more than 2003 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 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 2003 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 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, 2010 Chevrolet Malibu (214 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Lotus Elise. (175 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2010 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Lotus Elise. 2010 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 2003 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 2003 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2010 Chevrolet Malibu will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Lotus Elise | 2010 Chevrolet Malibu | |
| Make | Lotus | Chevrolet |
| Model | Elise | Malibu |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2010 |
| 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 | 121 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 214 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 750 kg | 1549 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4872 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2852 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 61 L |
