1996 Lotus Elise vs. 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
To start off, 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer (133 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1996 Lotus Elise. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer should accelerate faster than 1996 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer weights approximately 690 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 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 1996 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer, 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, 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer (176 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lotus Elise. (169 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lotus Elise | 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer | |
| Make | Lotus | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Elise | Lancer |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 197 km/hour | 199 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.9 seconds | 10 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 705 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.3 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 50 L |
