1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 2004 Mitsubishi Diamante
To start off, 2004 Mitsubishi Diamante is newer by 16 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 3,489 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Mitsubishi Diamante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lotus Esprit (215 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2004 Mitsubishi Diamante. (205 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2004 Mitsubishi Diamante. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mitsubishi Diamante weights approximately 402 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, 2004 Mitsubishi Diamante, 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, 2004 Mitsubishi Diamante (313 Nm) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (298 Nm). This means 2004 Mitsubishi Diamante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 2004 Mitsubishi Diamante | |
| Make | Lotus | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Esprit | Diamante |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 3489 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 205 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 313 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1188 kg | 1590 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 72 L |
