1971 Lotus Seven vs. 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse
To start off, 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Lotus Seven. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Lotus Seven would be higher. At 2,350 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse (145 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1971 Lotus Seven. (85 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse should accelerate faster than 1971 Lotus Seven. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse weights approximately 811 kg more than 1971 Lotus Seven. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 Lotus Seven 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 1971 Lotus Seven. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse (214 Nm) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Lotus Seven. (92 Nm). This means 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Lotus Seven. 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse has automatic transmission and 1971 Lotus Seven has manual transmission. 1971 Lotus Seven will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Lotus Seven | 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse | |
| Make | Lotus | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Seven | Eclipse |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1340 cc | 2350 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 214 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 87.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 100 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 594 kg | 1405 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3720 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1090 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2570 mm |
