1985 Lotus Esprit vs. 1998 Mitsubishi Lancer
To start off, 1998 Mitsubishi Lancer is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1998 Mitsubishi Lancer. (111 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1998 Mitsubishi Lancer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 33 kg more than 1998 Mitsubishi Lancer. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1985 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 1985 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Mitsubishi Lancer, 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, 1985 Lotus Esprit (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mitsubishi Lancer. (137 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1985 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mitsubishi Lancer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Lotus Esprit | 1998 Mitsubishi Lancer | |
| Make | Lotus | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Esprit | Lancer |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 111 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1068 kg | 1035 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1480 mm |
