1987 Lotus Esprit vs. 1996 Mitsubishi Lancer
To start off, 1996 Mitsubishi Lancer is newer by 9 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 61 more horse power than 1996 Mitsubishi Lancer. (111 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1996 Mitsubishi Lancer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 69 kg more than 1996 Mitsubishi Lancer. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1996 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, 1987 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mitsubishi Lancer. (137 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1987 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mitsubishi Lancer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Lotus Esprit | 1996 Mitsubishi Lancer | |
| Make | Lotus | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Esprit | Lancer |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 111 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1104 kg | 1035 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1140 mm | 1480 mm |
