2006 Lotus Elise vs. 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier
To start off, 2006 Lotus Elise is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier would be higher. At 2,190 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Lotus Elise (190 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier. (120 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier weights approximately 319 kg more than 2006 Lotus Elise.
Because 2006 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 2006 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier, 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 Lotus Elise (187 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier. (176 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2006 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier. 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier has automatic transmission and 2006 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 2006 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Lotus Elise | 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier | |
| Make | Lotus | Chevrolet |
| Model | Elise | Cavalier |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1803 cc | 2190 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 896 kg | 1215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 57 L |
