Pros and Cons. Electric Vehicles versus Conventional Vehicles. Power versus Fuel Economy. Ferrari 458 Italia vs Chevy Spark EV?
Who in their right mind would compare a Ferrari to a Chevy? Looking at the performance numbers, Chevy Spark EV marketing took it right to the top of the charts with a Ferrari 458 Italia [and a Van de Graff generator?]
http://youtu.be/bYlToxn9Mhs
I actually wish they’d shown the Chevy Spark EV taking on a Ferrari 458 Italia instead of a lightning bolt, but I’m sure someone will post something on YouTube along those lines, soon. Still, that race might not be so impressive, considering the 0-60mph time that the Italia boasts, just 3s to the Spark EV’s 7.6s.
Still, for under $20,000 after incentives, you’re getting a lot more in the fun-to-drive department than something like its sister Spark with a conventional powertrain, generating just 83lb•ft of torque. The Chevy Spark EV generates better than 4x the torque, and at 400lb•ft ranks higher, by just a hair, than the Ferrari 458 Italia’s 398lb•ft.
Some interesting numbers to take note of:
| Chevy Spark EV | Ferrari 458 Italia | Tesla Model S 85kWh Performance | |
| Price | $27,000.00 | $230,000.00 | $95,000.00 |
| Power | 130hp/97kW | 562hp/419kW | 310kW |
| Torque | 400lb•ft | 398lb•ft | 443lb•ft |
| 0-60 | 7.6s | 3s | 4.2s |
| MPGe | 119MPGe | 14MPG | 89MPGe |
Conclusion: The Chevy Spark EV could be the most fun you can have in a car under $30,000. It might not turn as many heads as the Ferrari or the Tesla, but then, you can bank a lot more dough buying the Chevy, and maybe you can take a nice vacation. If Chevy gets on the ball with some sort of supercharger option, you can take the car on vacation, too.
