1989 Lotus Esprit vs. 1998 Mitsubishi Magna
To start off, 1998 Mitsubishi Magna is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,351 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Mitsubishi Magna is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Esprit (264 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 123 more horse power than 1998 Mitsubishi Magna. (141 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 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 41 kg more than 1989 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1989 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 1989 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, 1989 Lotus Esprit (353 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 147 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mitsubishi Magna. (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1989 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 1989 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1989 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:
| 1989 Lotus Esprit | 1998 Mitsubishi Magna | |
| Make | Lotus | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Esprit | Magna |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 2351 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 264 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 353 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 86.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 100 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1329 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2730 mm |
