1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 1976 Mitsubishi Lancer
To start off, 1980 Lotus Esprit is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Mitsubishi Lancer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Mitsubishi Lancer would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1976 Mitsubishi Lancer. (93 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1976 Mitsubishi Lancer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 230 kg more than 1976 Mitsubishi Lancer. 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 Lotus Esprit (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Mitsubishi Lancer. (132 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Mitsubishi Lancer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 1976 Mitsubishi Lancer | |
| Make | Lotus | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Esprit | Lancer |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 93 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 132 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2350 mm |
