2008 Chevrolet Cobalt vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt is newer by 27 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 2,201 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt. (149 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt weights approximately 141 kg more than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
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, 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt, 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 15 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt. (206 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Lotus |
| Model | Cobalt | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2201 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1261 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 67 L |
