2006 Chevrolet Cobalt vs. 2008 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2008 Lotus Elise is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt would be higher. At 2,189 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt. (143 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 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 316 kg more than 2008 Lotus Elise.
Because 2008 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 2008 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 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Lotus Elise. (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt | 2008 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Lotus |
| Model | Cobalt | Elise |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2189 cc | 1795 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94.5 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1266 kg | 950 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 | 14 L/100km | 8.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 117 L | 40 L |
