2007 Lotus Elise vs. 2012 Chevrolet Malibu
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2007 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Malibu (169 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 2007 Lotus Elise. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 2007 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 772 kg more than 2007 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2007 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 2007 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2012 Chevrolet Malibu (217 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Lotus Elise. (169 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Lotus Elise. 2012 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 2007 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 2007 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Chevrolet Malibu will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2007 Lotus Elise | 2012 Chevrolet Malibu | |
Make | Lotus | Chevrolet |
Model | Elise | Malibu |
Year Released | 2007 | 2012 |
Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2400 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 120 HP | 169 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6400 RPM |
Torque | 169 Nm | 217 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 785 kg | 1557 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4872 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1786 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1450 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2852 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 61 L |