2006 Chevrolet Kalos vs. 2003 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2006 Chevrolet Kalos is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Lotus Elise (121 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 2006 Chevrolet Kalos. (71 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2006 Chevrolet Kalos. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Chevrolet Kalos weights approximately 285 kg more than 2003 Lotus Elise.
Because 2003 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 2003 Lotus Elise. 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, 2003 Lotus Elise (175 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Chevrolet Kalos. (104 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2003 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Chevrolet Kalos.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Chevrolet Kalos | 2003 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Lotus |
| Model | Kalos | Elise |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1150 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 121 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 11.0:1 |
| 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 | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 31 L |
