1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 1989 Mitsubishi Magna
To start off, 1989 Mitsubishi Magna is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,555 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Mitsubishi Magna is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1989 Mitsubishi Magna. (111 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1989 Mitsubishi Magna. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Mitsubishi Magna weights approximately 44 kg more than 1988 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1988 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 1988 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 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, 1988 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mitsubishi Magna. (195 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1988 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mitsubishi Magna. 1989 Mitsubishi Magna 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. 1989 Mitsubishi Magna will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 1989 Mitsubishi Magna | |
| Make | Lotus | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Esprit | Magna |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2555 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 111 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1176 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2600 mm |
