2009 Chevrolet Equinox vs. 2011 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2011 Lotus Elise is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Chevrolet Equinox. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Chevrolet Equinox would be higher. At 3,349 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Chevrolet Equinox is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lotus Elise (217 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 2009 Chevrolet Equinox. (182 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2009 Chevrolet Equinox. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Chevrolet Equinox weights approximately 1215 kg more than 2011 Lotus Elise.
Because 2011 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 2011 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Equinox, 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, both vehicles can yield 210 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles. 2009 Chevrolet Equinox has automatic transmission and 2011 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 2011 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Chevrolet Equinox will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Chevrolet Equinox | 2011 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Lotus |
| Model | Equinox | Elise |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2011 |
| Body Type | SUV | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3349 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 182 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2141 kg | 926 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4800 mm | 3785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1710 mm | 1118 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2299 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.8 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.8 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 44 L |
