1987 Lotus Esprit vs. 1989 Mitsubishi Debonair
To start off, 1989 Mitsubishi Debonair is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1989 Mitsubishi Debonair. (118 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1989 Mitsubishi Debonair. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Mitsubishi Debonair weights approximately 296 kg more than 1987 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1987 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 1987 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Mitsubishi Debonair, 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, 1987 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mitsubishi Debonair. (171 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1987 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mitsubishi Debonair. 1989 Mitsubishi Debonair has automatic transmission and 1987 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1987 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 Mitsubishi Debonair will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Lotus Esprit | 1989 Mitsubishi Debonair | |
| Make | Lotus | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Esprit | Debonair |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 171 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1104 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1140 mm | 1450 mm |
