2006 Chevrolet Cobalt vs. 2005 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 2,196 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt. (145 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt weights approximately 900 kg more than 2005 Lotus Elise.
Because 2005 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 2005 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt (210 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Lotus Elise. (186 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt | 2005 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Lotus |
| Model | Cobalt | Elise |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2196 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.1 L/100km | 8.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 40 L |
