2006 Chevrolet Kalos vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2006 Chevrolet Kalos is newer by 25 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 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 2006 Chevrolet Kalos. (71 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2006 Chevrolet Kalos. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 85 kg more than 2006 Chevrolet Kalos. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2006 Chevrolet Kalos, 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 @ 5000 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Chevrolet Kalos. (104 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Chevrolet Kalos.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Chevrolet Kalos | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Lotus |
| Model | Kalos | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1150 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1035 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 67 L |
