1980 Lotus Eclat vs. 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse
To start off, 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Lotus Eclat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Lotus Eclat would be higher. At 2,966 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse (210 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1980 Lotus Eclat. (160 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse should accelerate faster than 1980 Lotus Eclat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse weights approximately 391 kg more than 1980 Lotus Eclat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 Lotus Eclat 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 1980 Lotus Eclat. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse (278 Nm) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Eclat. (217 Nm). This means 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lotus Eclat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Eclat | 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse | |
| Make | Lotus | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Eclat | Eclipse |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 278 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1104 kg | 1495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 62 L |
