2006 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2004 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2006 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 3,491 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Lotus Esprit (241 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. (201 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 445 kg more than 2004 Lotus Esprit.
Because 2004 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 2004 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2006 Chevrolet Malibu (298 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Lotus Esprit. (294 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2006 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Lotus Esprit. 2006 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 2004 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 2004 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Chevrolet Malibu will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Chevrolet Malibu | 2004 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Lotus |
| Model | Malibu | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3491 cc | 1974 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 241 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 294 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 1305 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2430 mm |
