1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 1985 Mitsubishi Colt
To start off, 1985 Mitsubishi Colt is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 1985 Mitsubishi Colt. (70 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1985 Mitsubishi Colt. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 220 kg more than 1985 Mitsubishi Colt. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Mitsubishi Colt, 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, 1981 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Mitsubishi Colt. (102 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Mitsubishi Colt. 1985 Mitsubishi Colt has automatic transmission and 1981 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1981 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1985 Mitsubishi Colt will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 1985 Mitsubishi Colt | |
| Make | Lotus | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Esprit | Colt |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 3920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2390 mm |
