1987 Lotus Esprit vs. 1997 Mitsubishi Magna
To start off, 1997 Mitsubishi Magna is newer by 10 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 2,349 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Mitsubishi Magna is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1997 Mitsubishi Magna. (141 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1997 Mitsubishi Magna. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mitsubishi Magna weights approximately 266 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, 1997 Mitsubishi Magna, 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 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mitsubishi Magna. (205 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1987 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mitsubishi Magna.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Lotus Esprit | 1997 Mitsubishi Magna | |
| Make | Lotus | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Esprit | Magna |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2349 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 86.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 100 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1104 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1140 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2730 mm |
