2008 Chevrolet HHR vs. 1987 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2008 Chevrolet HHR is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,401 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Chevrolet HHR is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 172 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Chevrolet HHR weights approximately 366 kg more than 1987 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1987 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 1987 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Chevrolet HHR (226 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 Chevrolet HHR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Chevrolet HHR | 1987 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Lotus |
| Model | HHR | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2401 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 226 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 98 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.4:1 | 10.9:1 |
| Top Speed | 180 km/hour | 222 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1104 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3380 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1140 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.4 L/100km | 8.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.8 L/100km | 16.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.6 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 67 L |
