2009 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 1984 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,399 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Chevrolet Malibu (162 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1984 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 1984 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 1318 kg more than 1984 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1984 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 1984 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Malibu, 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, 1984 Lotus Esprit (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. (159 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1984 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. 2009 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 1984 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1984 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Chevrolet Malibu will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Chevrolet Malibu | 1984 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Lotus |
| Model | Malibu | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1984 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2399 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 162 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 159 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.6:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2385 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.1 L/100km | 9.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 31 L |
