1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 1997 Mitsubishi Verada
To start off, 1997 Mitsubishi Verada is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 3,497 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Mitsubishi Verada is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1997 Mitsubishi Verada. (197 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1997 Mitsubishi Verada. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mitsubishi Verada weights approximately 304 kg more than 1980 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1980 Lotus Esprit 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 Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Mitsubishi Verada, 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, 1997 Mitsubishi Verada (300 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1997 Mitsubishi Verada will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lotus Esprit. 1997 Mitsubishi Verada has automatic transmission and 1980 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1980 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Mitsubishi Verada will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 1997 Mitsubishi Verada | |
| Make | Lotus | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Esprit | Verada |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 3497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 7 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1206 kg | 1510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2730 mm |
