2009 Chevrolet Cobalt vs. 1988 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,201 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lotus Esprit (215 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. (155 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt weights approximately 73 kg more than 1988 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1988 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 1988 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 1988 Lotus Esprit (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. (203 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1988 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt has automatic transmission and 1988 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1988 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt | 1988 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Lotus |
| Model | Cobalt | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1988 |
| 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 | 155 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1261 kg | 1188 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 31 L |
