1996 Lotus Elan vs. 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
To start off, 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer (276 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 1996 Lotus Elan. (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer should accelerate faster than 1996 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer weights approximately 366 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Lotus Elan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer will offer significantly more control. 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, 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer (383 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 179 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lotus Elan | 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer | |
| Make | Lotus | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Elan | Lancer |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 276 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 383 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1386 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2630 mm |
