1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 1980 Mitsubishi Sigma
To start off, 1988 Lotus Esprit is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mitsubishi Sigma. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mitsubishi Sigma would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lotus Esprit (215 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 129 more horse power than 1980 Mitsubishi Sigma. (86 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1980 Mitsubishi Sigma. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 158 kg more than 1980 Mitsubishi Sigma. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1988 Lotus Esprit (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 153 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mitsubishi Sigma. (145 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1988 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mitsubishi Sigma. 1980 Mitsubishi Sigma has automatic transmission and 1988 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1988 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Mitsubishi Sigma will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 1980 Mitsubishi Sigma | |
| Make | Lotus | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Esprit | Sigma |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1188 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2520 mm |
