2008 Chevrolet Impala vs. 1989 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2008 Chevrolet Impala is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 3,505 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Chevrolet Impala is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Esprit (216 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2008 Chevrolet Impala. (211 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2008 Chevrolet Impala. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 73 kg more than 2008 Chevrolet Impala. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 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 1989 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Chevrolet Impala, 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, 1989 Lotus Esprit (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Chevrolet Impala. (290 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Chevrolet Impala. 2008 Chevrolet Impala has automatic transmission and 1989 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1989 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Chevrolet Impala will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Chevrolet Impala | 1989 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Lotus |
| Model | Impala | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3505 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 211 HP | 216 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 290 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 99.1 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.9 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1075 kg | 1148 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2440 mm |
