1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 1998 Mitsubishi Magna
To start off, 1998 Mitsubishi Magna is newer by 10 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 3,497 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Mitsubishi Magna is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lotus Esprit (215 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1998 Mitsubishi Magna. (197 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1998 Mitsubishi Magna. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mitsubishi Magna weights approximately 242 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, 1998 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, 1998 Mitsubishi Magna (300 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1998 Mitsubishi Magna will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 1998 Mitsubishi Magna | |
| Make | Lotus | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Esprit | Magna |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 3497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 7 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1188 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2730 mm |
