1987 Lotus Esprit vs. 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
To start off, 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer is newer by 17 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 2,341 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer. (160 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer weights approximately 276 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, 2004 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) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer. (220 Nm). This means 1987 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Lotus Esprit | 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer | |
| Make | Lotus | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Esprit | Lancer |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2341 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.9:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1104 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4610 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1140 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.3 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 16.1 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 50 L |
