1969 Lotus Elan vs. 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse
To start off, 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse weights approximately 431 kg more than 1969 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1969 Lotus Elan 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 1969 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse, 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, 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse (177 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse | |
| Make | Lotus | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Elan | Eclipse |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 889 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2520 mm |
