2009 Lotus Elise vs. 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt would be higher. At 2,376 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (186 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt. (171 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt weights approximately 293 kg more than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Because 2009 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 2009 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 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, 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Elise. (133 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Elise | 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt | |
| Make | Lotus | Chevrolet |
| Model | Elise | Cobalt |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2376 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 186 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 785 kg | 1078 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.9 L/100km | 6.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.4 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 49 L |
