1962 Lotus Elite vs. 1980 Mitsubishi Debonair
To start off, 1980 Mitsubishi Debonair is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 2,554 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Mitsubishi Debonair is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Mitsubishi Debonair (111 HP) has 28 more horse power than 1962 Lotus Elite. (83 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mitsubishi Debonair should accelerate faster than 1962 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mitsubishi Debonair weights approximately 730 kg more than 1962 Lotus Elite. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1980 Mitsubishi Debonair (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Lotus Elite. (102 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1980 Mitsubishi Debonair will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Lotus Elite. 1980 Mitsubishi Debonair has automatic transmission and 1962 Lotus Elite has manual transmission. 1962 Lotus Elite will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Mitsubishi Debonair will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Lotus Elite | 1980 Mitsubishi Debonair | |
| Make | Lotus | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Elite | Debonair |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1215 cc | 2554 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 111 HP |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 660 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2700 mm |
