1982 Mitsubishi Colt vs. 2012 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2012 Lotus Elise is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Mitsubishi Colt. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Mitsubishi Colt would be higher. At 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1982 Mitsubishi Colt. (74 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1982 Mitsubishi Colt. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Mitsubishi Colt weights approximately 18 kg more than 2012 Lotus Elise.
Because 2012 Lotus Elise 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 2012 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1982 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, 2012 Lotus Elise (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Mitsubishi Colt. (112 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Mitsubishi Colt.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Mitsubishi Colt | 2012 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Mitsubishi | Lotus |
| Model | Colt | Elise |
| Year Released | 1982 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 112 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 912 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4120 mm | 3785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1118 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2390 mm | 2299 mm |
