2009 Chevrolet HHR vs. 1988 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet HHR 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 HHR is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 2009 Chevrolet HHR. (155 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2009 Chevrolet HHR. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Chevrolet HHR weights approximately 90 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 HHR, 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 (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Chevrolet HHR. (203 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1988 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Chevrolet HHR.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Chevrolet HHR | 1988 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Lotus |
| Model | HHR | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | 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 | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1266 kg | 1176 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2440 mm |
