1988 Mitsubishi Magna vs. 2012 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2012 Lotus Elise is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Mitsubishi Magna. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Mitsubishi Magna would be higher. At 2,555 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Mitsubishi Magna is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lotus Elise (217 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 1988 Mitsubishi Magna. (112 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1988 Mitsubishi Magna. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Mitsubishi Magna weights approximately 294 kg more than 2012 Lotus Elise.
Because 2012 Lotus Elise 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 2012 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 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, 2012 Lotus Elise (210 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Mitsubishi Magna. (195 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2012 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Mitsubishi Magna.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Mitsubishi Magna | 2012 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Mitsubishi | Lotus |
| Model | Magna | Elise |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2555 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 195 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 926 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 3785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1118 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2299 mm |
