2005 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 1988 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2005 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 17 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 2,196 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 2005 Chevrolet Malibu. (145 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2005 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 240 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, 2005 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, 1988 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Chevrolet Malibu. (210 Nm). This means 1988 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Chevrolet Malibu.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Chevrolet Malibu | 1988 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Lotus |
| Model | Malibu | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2196 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1416 kg | 1176 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2440 mm |
