2005 Chevrolet Cobalt vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt is newer by 24 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 2,198 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (159 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt. (140 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt weights approximately 428 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, 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt, 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) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt. (203 Nm). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Lotus |
| Model | Cobalt | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2198 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1495 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.4 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 31 L |
