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 2,972 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Mitsubishi Magna is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lotus Esprit (215 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1998 Mitsubishi Magna. (187 HP @ 5500 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 270 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, 1988 Lotus Esprit (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mitsubishi Magna. (255 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1988 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mitsubishi Magna. 1998 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. 1998 Mitsubishi Magna will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 1998 Mitsubishi Magna | |
| Make | Lotus | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Esprit | Magna |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2972 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 255 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1188 kg | 1458 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2730 mm |
